Episode 1: The impact of international funding cuts on the South African nonprofit sector

South African nonprofits are facing a critical moment. With international funding cuts from major players like USAID and PEPFAR, the sector is confronting very real challenges: program sustainability, staffing pressures, and the ongoing impact of vital work in communities across the country.

To help unpack this complex landscape, our host for this episode, Clara Kwizera (South African Country Manager at iZinga Assist) speaks to Audrey Elster (Executive Director, Raith Foundation), Nyasha Njela (Director, Revolutionise International), and Louise Driver (Executive Director, Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa).

Our powerhouse guests share insights on:

• How nonprofits can rethink funding models and reduce reliance on international donors
• The importance of local philanthropy and community engagement
• Practical ways to push back on donor expectations that don’t reflect on-the-ground realities
• Building resilience and collective action in times of systemic change

If you care about the sustainability of South African nonprofits, this is a conversation you can’t miss. 

We’ve also created a complementary toolkit for this episode — packed with resources, templates, and further reading to help you navigate funding challenges, donor engagement, and organisational resilience. Download it now and use it to help your organisation turn insights into action.

Credits

• Host: Clara Kwizera

• Guests: Audrey Elster, Louise Driver, Nyasha Njela

• Podcast Producer: Ruendree Govinder

• Sound Engineering: LIFEBrand https://lifebrand.co.za/

This episode was produced with the support of the LV and Ivy Middleton Charitable Trust.