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from our student Diroshni Govender

From our student: Diroshni Govender

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Reflections.

Creating social impact in the work that I do gives me purpose. It is for this reason that I decided to enrol in the Postgraduate Diploma in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation – I wanted to know more, to do more. The Landscaping African Philanthropy module was the best introduction to the learning journey ahead, in that it brought the richness of African culture and history to life through storytelling. I was able to work through the practical modules with a better understanding and deeper foundation.

This course to date has enabled me to learn and rethink, measure and draw tactics, and shift the scales of thought in a really challenging way. I look forward to the next six months and am really proud to be part of the first cohort of this flagship qualification at CAPSI and Wits Business School.

I have become an ardent brand ambassador for CAPSI and the work that they do, the networks that they create, the knowledge that is shared and the people that they bring together.

Diroshni Govender is a student on the Postgraduate Diploma Management in the field of African Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization.

Kisima African Giving Platform and strategic thrusts for 2022

Kisima African Giving Platform and strategic thrusts for 2022

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Highlights.

By Mapaseka Mokwele (Kisima Media Consultant)

The Kisima African Giving Platform was launched on the 29th of September 2021 as the platform to showcase African Philanthropy, to promote good giving stories from across Africa. The platform seeks to demonstrate that Africans in their different ways always give towards their community for public good.   The COVID-19 pandemic rendered many jobless and even more without a source of income.  In most communities, those who were seen to be in need were taken in by other community members and assisted. This is not by community members who are necessarily well-off but rather community members that saw and responded to a need.

The Kisima platform is only in its third month, yet we have already been exposed to a few countries that have seen community philanthropy growth. As the COVID pandemic continues to ravage the continent and the world, the growth and development of philanthropy in Africa is rising too. It has always been there, but now we see it even better. As our Patron, Graça Machel so aptly put it, if every African could give $1, Africa would be able to take care of her own. This is the premise on which Kisima is based. Showcasing those who do help and fundraising for those in need.

The Kisima site is live and showcasing stories from different parts of Africa such as Nigeria, Malawi, South Africa and Uganda.  The aim for the next year is to add at least 15 more countries to our site while we fundraise for those initiatives in need.

Learn more about Kisima Giving by visiting https://www.kisimagiving.org/

Landing page of the Kisima African Giving Platform
Landing page of the Kisima African Giving Platform
Academic Highlights and strategic thrusts for 2022

Academic Highlights and strategic thrusts for 2022

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Highlights.

By Keratiloe Mogotsi  (Lecturer in African Philanthropy)

With seven masterclasses, three certificate programmes, a postgraduate diploma already underway and a Masters in Management programme on the horizon, African philanthropy has taken the centre stage as a fully-fledged academic offering at Wits Business School, targeting philanthropy practitioners and interested parties far and wide. The postgraduate diploma in management, specializing in the field of philanthropy and resource mobilization, was our new offering in 2021, in partnership with Inyathelo. The Postgraduate Diploma in Management is designed for students who are seeking specialization in fundraising, advancement and partnership building. This qualification aims at improving the skills of professionals and also sharpening the analytical and critical thinking skills of those whose career trajectory is towards academia and research.

We have also offered custom programmes tailor-made to suit our clients’ needs, such as civil society organisations in Southern Africa through the Southern Africa Trust and female artists in Southern Africa through the Women in Music Business (WOMB). We continue to enter into such bespoke programmes to ensure our clients address specific internal needs in the field of philanthropy and social investment.

To support the academic learning objective, we hosted information sessions that provided prospective students with the information they needed in order to select their programme of choice and successfully register for these. The following are links to the full information:

Look out for the new short courses, the Postgraduate Diploma and the Masters programme, all happening in 2022.

Applications for the Master of Management in African Philanthropy open on 1 January 2022.
Applications for the Postgraduate Diploma in the field of Philanthropy and Resour Mobilisation open on 1 January 2022.
ops & strat newsletter

Operations and Strategy Highlights

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Highlights.

By Thandi Makhubele (Acting Programmes Manager)

The year 2021, like the previous one, was challenging for everyone. CAPSI was not spared but we continued to carry out activities as they were outlined in the Centre’s Business Plan and Operations Plan. As with most donor-funded entities, both the business plan and operations plan are broken down into various donor proposals, research projects and academic programmes, among others.  Most of these were executed successfully this year. However, navigating a pandemic over the last two years has not been easy.

For the first time, the Centre developed a three-year strategy that will guide everyone involved efficiently and in an effective manner, with a better understanding of where the Centre is headed in the coming years. The strategy’s strength is that it was developed by CAPSI team members and partners. This has been translated into an operations plan.

The operations pillar of the strategy is also based on the Centre’s desire to expand.  We are increasing resources, upskilling, and consistently aligning staff competencies with the needs of the Centre and global trends.

For the next three years, CAPSI will focus on the following two strategy pillars:

  • The first is the operations pillar, which is essential for running the Centre more efficiently, effectively, and creatively. The operations pillar makes use of a variety of technological tools, that include a knowledge hub and a smartboard. Both platforms are critical for the Centre’s tracking of execution of its activities and data storage.
  • The second pillar is programmes. This pillar focuses on a variety of areas such as academic courses, research, training, outreach and publications. CAPSI is approaching its fifth year in operation – we have thus collaborated with CLEAR to assess our impact so far and put in place a monitoring and measurement tool to assist us in remaining relevant, credible, and up to date.

Events hosted in 2021

As the world changes, so have people’s habits. Planning and executing events in the ‘new normal’ world order has proven to be extremely difficult, putting our patience and resilience to the test with each event. Nonetheless, CAPSI was able to host a number of successful in-person, virtual, and hybrid events in 2021.

EventPeriodType
International Review of Philanthropy and Social Investment Journal webinar seriesFebruaryVirtual
Kisima webinars and Portal launchApril – SeptemberVirtual
Fundraising workshopAprilVirtual
Academic Publishing workshopJulyVirtual
2nd African Philanthropy ConferenceAugustVirtual
Women and Philanthropy virtual lunchAugustVirtual
MasterCard meeting and workshopSeptemberVirtual
Philanthropy Index workshopSeptemberVirtual
WBS/CAPSI PhD seminarOctoberHybrid
Community Philanthropy research workshopOctoberVirtual
From the Executive Peter Bezuidenhoudt

From the executive: Peter Bezuidenhoudt

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Reflections.

The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment is an incredible resource for Wits Business School, the broader Wits community and our society at large. The Wits Development and Fundraising Office has been very fortunate to be able to work closely with CAPSI since the Centre’s inception. Of late CAPSI has provided invaluable advice and assistance as Wits escalates the rollout of our ambitious Wits Centenary Campaign plans and interactions with a wide range of potential donors and sponsors. Underpinning these activities is the recognition that our Centenary is a unique opportunity for our global alumni community to celebrate, and reflect on, the impact that Wits has had on their lives. 

Dr Bhekinkosi Moyo is an inspiration to all. It is through Maurice and Bheki’s initiatives and drive that the Business School has been able to launch their own fundraising campaign in parallel to the University’s overall Centenary campaign. This is the first time that the Business School has embarked on such an ambitious, and critically important,  venture.

Looking into the future, I look forward to continuing work with Bheki and his team as we all endeavour to grow external investment and support for the critical work Wits does to develop the future generations of leaders that make such a significant impact in our country and continent.

Peter Bezuidenhoudt is the Director for Development and Fundraising at Wits University.

from our student Sandile Tshabalala

From our student: Sandile Tshabalala

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Reflections.

Pursuing this programme offered by CAPSI and Wits Business School was the most fulfilling decision I’ve ever taken for my personal and professional development. When I enrolled, my knowledge of African philanthropy was limited, even though I have personally experienced immense philanthropic support through my educational career (I was a scholarship recipient from Grade 8 until I completed my graduate studies).

The modules I’ve completed thus far have broadened my expertise and allowed me to integrate my personal insights into innovative ideas. Studying while running my own business has made it possible to immediately apply my academic knowledge into practical concepts for implementation. For example, in understanding resource mobilisation, my business was able to partner with the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business to co-create and co-execute a social impact project empowering over 150 young people in the townships of Cape Town, with the support of ENSafrica. Without my enrolment, I would have had significant limitations in implementing my philanthropic ideas.

Sandile Tshabalala is a student on the Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization.

From the executive Maurice Radebe

From the executive: Prof Maurice Radebe

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Reflections.

I am extremely proud of CAPSI and the work they do, which is very much in line with the Wits Business School mission – to be a force for positive change on our continent. I have enjoyed participating in their international conferences and other projects, and it has been wonderful to witness the sheer length and breadth of the CAPSI footprint in terms of research, associations and partnerships in Africa and the rest of the world. 

I am extremely proud of CAPSI and the work they do, which is very much in line with the Wits Business School mission – to be a force for positive change on our continent. I have enjoyed participating in their international conferences and other projects, and it has been wonderful to witness the sheer length and breadth of the CAPSI footprint in terms of research, associations and partnerships in Africa and the rest of the world. 

The concept of philanthropy in Africa goes far, far beyond the traditional concept of foreign aid in times of disaster.  CAPSI is drawing attention to the incredible work done by communities ‘on the ground’, borne out of the concept of Ubuntu and in the spirit of giving, the African way. They are ensuring that our amazing African stories are being told, while also highlighting the important role of Africa-based High Net Worth Individuals in transforming our continent.

I appreciate CAPSI’s high energy, passion and culture of excellence. The team shows incredible creativity and innovation, and the leadership talent is unparalleled! I am always energised after engaging with CAPSI.

I wish Prof Bheki Moyo and his team well over the festive season. Congratulations on a full and impactful year, and may you all return refreshed and ready to take on the challenges of 2022.

Prof Maurice Radebe is the Head of School of Wits Business School.

CAPSI Newsletter

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletters.

As Africa and the world prepare for the holiday season, we at CAPSI would like to convey our gratitude to each member of our community for your continuous support of our work. We have prepared this newsletter as a reflection of the year that was and an insight into the year that is coming. Please enjoy and share this edition within your network.

Our Director, Bhekinkosi Moyo, has recorded a short video message which we invite you to watch with us.

The mental wellness of our team members matters to us. In an effort to support this, our offices have closed for the year and will reopen on Monday, 10 January 2022. 

Seasons greetings from  CAPSI Communications

Reflections from our Community

Our community comprises of a number of people who bring their unique voices to the song of our organisation. As we prepare to wrap up the year, we invited members of our community to share their reflections on the year that was.

Highlights from 2021

Even amidst the dynamic events of this year, CAPSI has been able to record a number of notable wins and lessons which were gained. Click on the relevant title to read brief reports from our team.

Case Studies in African Philanthropy and Social Investment

Case Studies offer a fabulous two-fold benefit. They are highly effective teaching tools, enabling students to put themselves in the shoes of a real person in a real organisation and think about how to address real-world challenges. In so doing, the students learn more than just the theoretical concepts themselves, but also how to think about, critique and apply them. In addition, they provide a way to document the activities and harness the knowledge of organisations in an accessible way, so that we can all learn from their experiences and celebrate their achievements.

The nine cases that the WBS case centre has written with CAPSI over the past two years, have achieved just that and it has been such a pleasure to be part of this project. I am sure that CAPSI will see the benefits of these cases in the quality of the teaching and learning experience that they enable, as well as in the quality of the graduates it produces.


Click here to access our case Studies

claire beswick

Looking ahead to 2022

In preparing to welcome students to our short courses and academic programmes, we are excited to profile 3 of the lecturers who students can look forward to learning from.

Christine Guchu

Christine Guchu

With 30 years experience in development programme management and civil society consulting across the continent, Christine Guchu will be lecturing on our masterclass series.

She is a visionary and result-driven senior professional with extensive experience in supporting implementation, organisational development, coaching, and programme management.

Sibongile (Bongi) Mkhabela

Sibongile Mkhabela

Bringing her extensive experience in community and institution building, fundraising and developmental grant-making, Sibongile Mkhabela will be lecturing on our masterclass series.

She championed, alongside Mr Mandela and Mrs Graca Machel, the establishment of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospital, the 5th Children Hospital of its kind in the continent.

Gerry Salole

Gerry Salole

Gerry Salole is an Independent Consultant who brings his vast experience in international development, programme strategy, and trend to our masterclass series. 

He is the former Chief Executive of the European Foundation Centre who has worked Ford Foundation, Bernard van Leer Foundation, and various organisations in the USA, Zimbabwe, and Ethiopia.

We will continue to seek ways to interact with members of the community. Look out for further details of the below activities which will be hosted either as virtual or hybrid events.

Academic Activities

Start of Academic programmes

Applications for the Postgraduate Diploma and Masters programmes open on 1 January. We will be hosting information sessions for both programmes where we will unpack what you can expect and benefit from both programmes. Dates will be communicated once confirmed.

Partner Workshops

GIZ Workshop

 

We are entering into an agreement to offer customised masterclasses for GIZ sponsored delegates in Quarter 1 of 2022. As part of this agreement we will convene a workshop with GIZ early in January 2022 to equip students with the tools needed to make the most of the masterclasses.

Centre Activities

We look forward to hosting the following interventions 

  • 2nd African Index workshop (January 2022)
  • Third Covid-19 hybrid webinar (February 2022)
  • Community Philanthropy hybrid convening (March 2022)

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from our student Ruth Rakosa

From our student: Ruth Rakosa

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Reflections.

The programme has proven to be a most intense, insightful and exciting programme, well put-together and covering the most pertinent issues in philanthropy. It has far surpassed my expectations and I am honored to be among the inaugural students laying a solid academic path and foundation for those who will follow.

The programme comes at a time when the contribution of philanthropy in social development is in the spotlight. Amid a health crisis, which has political, economic and human rights implications, the role of philanthropy as an agent for change cannot be overemphasized. The context we find ourselves in, could very well herald a new era for the way we practice philanthropy in Africa in particular. The course is well-positioned to lay a strong, theoretical foundation that draws on real contexts on the ground.

To the brains that conceptualized the programme and the lecturers that delivered the modules and articulated complex, and sometimes controversial topics with expertise and passion, thank you for growing our understanding of the field of philanthropy. To my fellow students, your enquiring minds and robustness make it a pleasure to learn and share with you.

Ruth Rakosa is a student on the Postgraduate Diploma in Management in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilization.

from our lecturer Candice Morkel

From our lecturer: Candice Morkel

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Reflections.

It was an honour to have been included in the first cohort of instructors in CAPSI’s Postgraduate programme. With global attention shifting towards ensuring environmental, social and governance impact in a time unprecedented, being able to teach a course which provided students foundational concepts around performance measurement, monitoring and evaluation was ground-breaking. It is my hope that students will use the knowledge across sectors as they apply their learnings.

One of my most valuable experiences on this course was having the privilege of engaging with individuals across varying contexts and sectors, which provided me with new ways of looking at the subject of M&E, particularly from the angle of African philanthropy.

With global attention across sectors shifting towards ensuring environmental, social and governance impact in a time of unprecedented, intersecting crises affecting people and the planet, I encourage anyone looking to develop in the field of philanthropy to consider this course which has put CAPSI at the forefront of remaining responsive to the demands that are emerging in theory and praxis.

It was a pleasure being part of the CAPSI team who always displays exceptional professionalism and commitment to excellence. These are some of the key ingredients that make the teaching and learning experience an absolute pleasure.

Candice Morkel is the executive director of CLEAR and a Lecturer for the Post Graduate Diploma in the field of Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation.

From the student David Marupen

From our student: David Marupen

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Reflections.

This postgraduate programme is both timely and relevant, enabling growth to the required capacity and creating further awareness on philanthropy and its development on the African continent. The modules are pertinent, focusing on critical areas in advancement practices and contributing immensely to knowledge on practical approaches to resource mobilisation. It is inspiring, it promotes analytical and critical thinking and the practical approach in the teaching methodology ensures that one remains engaged and continuously interrogates issues related to the subject matter.

In my role as Deputy Director for Resource Mobilisation at the University of Limpopo, the impact of the course on my day-to-day operations is clearly visible, and has made a significant impact on refining strategy and alignment of thinking, to ensure that we increase and sustain our third stream sources. This course can add significant value to the skills and competencies of any advancement professional, and I can highly recommend the course to any prospective students that want to enhance their skills and knowledge base in the sector.  

David Marupen is a student on the Postgraduate Diploma in Management in African Philanthropy and Resource Mobilisation.

From our lecturer Keratiloe Mogotsi

From our lecturer: Keratiloe Mogotsi

Written by info on . Posted in Newsletter Dec 2021, Newsletter Reflections.

Teaching African philanthropy formally for the first time on our continent in 2021 felt so right, timely and relevant for me. The content we have developed is fresh and anchored on a pan-African outlook, offering students an opportunity to not only learn about theories and practices of philanthropy, but how philanthropy manifests itself in an African context by Africans.

The first cohort of students in both the Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Executive Education (short courses) were all enthusiastic and performed well to establish a strong foundation for this new field of study. The classes were lively and it has been an honour to watch students grow and start contributing to debates and research in the field.

I very much look forward to welcoming more students into our academic offerings. In my class, students can look forward to perpetual and interactive learning filled with fun, self-reflection and inspiration.

Keratiloe Mogotsi is a recently promoted lecturer who teaches Philanthropy.