The International Review of Philanthropy and Social Investment is an interdisciplinary international journal publication that aims to be a platform for cutting and leading edge primary research on philanthropy and social investment.. It is a project of the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at the Wits Business School in South Africa with wider perspectives.
We want to change the future for young Africans. Our vision is that 100% of Girls & Young Women in sub-Saharan Africa will have access to engaging sexual health education by 2025.
How can the region’s youth be expected to deliver their full potential and achieve economic prosperity against such a backdrop of unprecedented sexual health challenges?
There is a pressing need for a new generation of innovation and ideation to deliver a combination of HIV prevention and sexual and reproductive health services for people of higher risk to HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancies. It’s why we have partnered with the University of the Witwatersrand Business School (Wits) for our Aspire, Higher project – judging for which takes place on 16 July 2020.
We’ve already commenced our Aspire, Higher programme in South Africa with Wits and are identifying partners in Nigeria for a 2021 roll out there. The Wits MBA students’ entries will be judged on 16 July and this document provides more details on the virtual event.
The Challenge for students at Wits Business School: to develop innovative, game-changing ideas to improve women and girls’ sexual health education and enhance female economic empowerment.
All entries will be shortlisted by RB/Wits between now and the end of June. The top 5 entries will present their ideas virtually on 16 July and tell the judges how their concepts meet our challenge. The winners will win a share of the available investment provided.
The top 3 projects selected will then go into Johannesburg field trials – commencing August 2020 onwards. These trials are the opportunity to further develop and scale the winning ideas, and ultimately change lives.
The 16 July is not just the point at which the pilot projects are chosen, but it’s also an opportunity to showcase our collective ‘Purpose’ credentials and commitment to tackling this critical sexual health challenge.
The judging panel will hear presentations from each of the 5 shortlisted candidates and have an opportunity to ask any further questions to better understand their solutions to change the future for young Africans. This will take place through an online call and will be moderated virtually.
The panel will then select the 3 most innovative entries, which will be announced at the end of the virtual showcase.
Nalane
Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng is a Medical Doctor and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights consultant. She is currently Lead Consultant at Nalane. Her expertise includes advocacy training, clinical care, public health policy and content production for public health communication.
She is published by The Guardian, Sunday Times, Daily Maverick, Mail and Guardian and presents on Al Jazeera’s “The Cure” medical series and is currently host and associate producer of “Sex Talk with Dr T” a sexual health tv show aired on DSTV. She was a recipient of the 120 under 40 award that recognizes a new generation leaders in Family Planning by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2016.
Gilead
Clifford Samuel is Gilead’s Senior Vice President of Access Operations and Emerging Markets, with responsibility for more than 130 countries around the world. He joined Gilead Sciences in 1996 as a member of the company’s commercial organization, newly established at the time, to support the introduction of Gilead’s first commercial product.
Clifford now oversees the ongoing development and implementation of innovative manufacturing, distribution and business models to make the company’s HIV, viral hepatitis and fungal medicines available at affordable prices in resource-limited and evolving economies.
UNAIDS
Aeneas Chuma is the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa for UNAIDS. Chuma is a very senior leader having served as Resident coordinator and UN SG spécial representative as well as Africa head for ILO and brings huge understanding of the global development response and of the continent.
University of the Witwatersrand
Dr Judy Dlamini is Chancellor of the University of the Witwatersrand and the founding chairman of Mbekani Group. She is a medical doctor by training is a leading business woman, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. She holds an MBChB from the University of Natal, a Doctorate in Business Leadership from UNISA, an MBA from Wits University and an Innovation and Entrepreneurship Certificate from Stanford University.
Psychology Student, North-West University
Saidy Brown works with various NGOs, such as Y+ South Africa, Network for Young People Living with HIV in South Africa. She’s a psychology student at the North-West University (NWU) and part of the NWU students advocating leadership and transformation.
Saidy was born with HIV and found out her status aged 14.
From the age of 18 she started publicly disclosing her story. Saidy has used her status to educate other people about HIV and has a YouTube channel to enlighten people about HIV.
RB
Ben Wilson began his role as Global Category Director for Sexual Wellbeing in March 2018, after having held the position of Marketing Director at RB China. During his previous role, starting in 2010, he led the innovative marketing campaigns of Durex China, as well as Veet and Dettol. Ben is particularly focused on social media and digital outreach, and leading the way in building brand advocacy.
Previously, Ben Wilson was Marketing Manager at RB in the UK. Prior to RB, Ben has 10 years of experience working in J&J in various marketing roles on skincare brands including Clean & Clear, Neutrogena, and RoC as well as healthcare brands including Carefree and KY.
University of the Witwatersrand
Professor Bheki is a writer, author, researcher and thought-leader on African resources, democracy and governance, Bheki is leading our Aspire, Higher project to improve the sexual health and economic empowerment of South Africa’s women and young girls. Bheki is the Director African Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment at the University of the Witwatersrand Business School.
Wits Business School (WBS): Competition exclusively open to WBS students and Wits University Postgraduates.
Reckitt Benckiser Group (RB), a consumer health company and the makers of Durex condoms: Project partner and competition funder.
Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI), a Centre for excellence at WBS: Project facilitator.
The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), an advocate for global action on HIV/AIDS: Key project advice/advocacy partner.
The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) together with the Association for Research on Civil Society in Africa (AROCSA) are pleased to be hosting the fifth annual AROCSA Conference in 2020. The conference will take place from 29 to 31 July at Wits Business School. The theme for this year’s conference is ‘CIVIL SOCIETY SUSTAINABILITY IN AFRICA’S CHANGING LANDSCAPE’. Please save these dates! If you would like to submit a proposal see more information here: https://www.arnova.org/page/arnova_africa. More details about the conference will follow soon.
The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) together with its partners, The Mandela Institute for Development Studies (MINDS) and The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD) hosted a Pan-African evening of celebration on 7th November 2019 at the Origins Centre, Wits University, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Speakers and guests at the event included: The NEPAD Goodwilll Ambassador for TB and Nutrition Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Humanitarian and Activist Graça Machel, Trustee of The Mandela Institute for Development Studies Ali Mufuruki, Professor of Law in the Centre for Human Rights and Development Studies at the University of Pretoria Prof Charles Ngwenya, Director of Programme Innovation and Planning at the African Union Development Agency- NEPAD Estherine Fotabong, Author, Public speaker and Professor of Sociology Prof Kwesi Prah and the Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Wits University Professor Andrew Crouch.
Dear Friends of CAPSI
We are delighted to announce that we have now changed our name from African Centre in Philanthropy and Social Investment to Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment. The Centre has evolved and growing and we will now onward be using this new name officially for the Centre’s recognition. While our name has changed our focus remains unchanged. Please note that our name change will have no effect on our services. Our website has now changed to capsi.co.za and will be updated from time to time.
As the Centre we would like to extend our deepest thanks to our partners and friends who have been closely associated with us so far. We look forward to your continuous support.
We were saddened to learn of the passing of Bill White the Chairperson of the MOTT Foundation.
CAPSI wishes to extend its sincere condolences to his family and friends. He will be greatly missed.
Rest in eternal peace Bill White.
By Emmanuel K Akyeampong and Bhekinkosi Moyo• 19 June 2019
First Published in The Daily Maverick – Read the full article here.
Philanthropy is a product of a successful business in the private sector. It is inspired by a desire to give back to society, and for the very wealthy the remit is almost global. In this form it is more deliberate, often goes beyond the scale of kin and the local community, and seeks to make an impact that is visible and measurable. This requires structure, and philanthropy at this scale is organised through foundations.
This distinguishes philanthropy from charity both in scale and in the targeted recipients.
Governments need to work collaboratively with philanthropists, civil society and the private sector in innovative ways to make more impact on the continent. Colonial capitalism made newly-independent African governments ambivalent about capitalism and meant there was no capitalist middle class in Black Africa. There was more interest in wealth redistribution than wealth creation. The high net worth individuals in Africa who have been profiled in Forbes emerged mostly over the last two decades. That their rise coincided with the era of NGOs (non-governmental organisations), and their championing of advocacy, make governments uneasy about the foundations of the new African wealthy organised as NGOs.
It is important to rethink the relationship between government, the private sector, and philanthropy, as Africa’s developmental agenda overwhelms any single government. In Africa, philanthropy has engaged in disaster relief, poverty relief, in education, job training and employment opportunities. In these areas, they intersect with government and must collaborate for maximum impact, especially since government sets the policy agenda for areas such as education, and in terms of disaster or poverty relief has the infrastructure to intervene more effectively.
Philanthropy cannot displace or disrupt government. A partnership is crucial. It is estimated that the funding gap for Africa to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) is about $2.3-trillion. Government, the private sector and philanthropy will have to work together on innovative solutions for social change, especially with the declining levels of international development assistance.
The role of government is to provide essential services – physical and social infrastructure (roads, railway, hospitals, schools, etc) – ensure a conducive policy environment that enables the pursuit of potential, provide law and order and maintain security, etc.
The role of the private sector is to invest in the stock of productive capital, to create jobs, working closely with the government to meet the government’s developmental vision, and with educational institutions (especially technical institutions and universities) that train the workforce of the future. The private sector services the financial market and finances economic ventures with an eye on returns.
Some wealthy African philanthropists have created foundations that emulate the West with strategic goals and processes, but with or without a foundation, these African philanthropists tend to give on local and personal interests. Philanthropy on the continent can be transformed through philanthropy education, that gives African high net worth individuals a better understanding of the landscape of philanthropy in Africa, and how to give in more impactful ways. Legacy is an integral part of giving, and it is more appealing to be remembered nationally, regionally or continentally than to be remembered in just one’s hometown.
On May 16-17 2019, the Harvard University Center for African Studies, Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment at the Wits Business School, Trust Africa and the African Philanthropy Forum held an African Philanthropy Conference in Johannesburg to increase awareness and set the agenda of philanthropy in Africa. Here are a few areas where philanthropy could play a major role in Africa:
As academic institutions, we wish to facilitate effective giving by building strategies for transformative change in Africa through philanthropy.
Prof Emmanuel K Akyeampong is Oppenheimer Faculty Director at Harvard University’s Center for African Studies and Ellen Gurney Professor of History and Professor of African and African American Studies at Harvard. Dr Bhekinkosi Moyo is Director and Adjunct Professor at the Africa Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment, University of the Witwatersrand.
In partnership with the Graca Machel Trust and the Mandela Institute for Development Studies
On the 19th of July 2019, Capsi in partnership with the Mandela Institute for Developmental Studies and the Graca Machel Trust, hosted a dialogue on Disaster Management on the aftermath of cyclone Idai, one of the worst tropical cyclones on record to affect Africa and the Southern Hemisphere.
Please see the event programme for an overview of the agenda, speakers and panelists who contributed to the event.
Regional leaders, philanthropists, NGOs, corporates with footprint in Africa, researchers, entrepreneurs and innovators were invited to join a dialogue where we will discuss how to move forward in the face of natural disasters such as cyclone Idai.
Proudly brought to you in partnership with:
Introducing the African Centre on Philanthropy and Social Investment
3:30 Arrivals
3:45 Welcome remarks
3:50 Keynote address: Why Teaching and Researching Philanthropy in Africa Matters
4:00 Panel discussion: What Can African Centers for the Study of Philanthropy Contribute to the Future of Philanthropy in Africa?
Panellists:
4:30 Discussion and closing remarks
4:55 Closing remarks
Preamble
Close to twenty years ago, a group of African foundations started talking about the need to create a platform that would aggregate African voices on philanthropy as well as be a network for peer learning and collective advocacy. In 2009, the African Philanthropy Network (APN) was born in Accra-Ghana. It was initially called the Africa Grant Makers Network (AGN) and later transformed to APN three years later. Among the many aspirations, this community of foundations hoped that the African continent could generate its own knowledge, advocate for the promotion and practice of philanthropy as well as celebrate different forms of philanthropy across the continent.
The idea of researching and teaching philanthropy in Africa resonated with many practitioners, most of whom were not trained in philanthropy. There was, therefore, no doubt among the members of APN that there was a need to link the world of practice in philanthropy with academia and research institutions. It was therefore not a surprise that in 2014, discussions started between the Southern Africa Trust-a leading and founding member of APN and different stakeholders on the need to create a Chair in African Philanthropy. These consultations produced a collaboration between the University of the Witwatersrand and the Southern Africa Trust in establishing the first Chair in Philanthropy in Africa.
From the very beginning, the university leadership supported the idea but also encouraged the involvement of practitioners in designing the programmes of the Chair. This is why both the research agenda and the Master of Management in African Philanthropy curriculum were designed through a consultative process that included researchers, think tanks, university academics, business schools, foundations, NGOs and private sector practitioners. The idea of a Chair in African Philanthropy has since been revisited with the view to creating a Centre that would house the Chair and many other initiatives.
The Centre is located at the Wits Business School in Johannesburg. The Centre currently has a Director, an Honorary Professor, and a Visiting Researcher. In addition, there are 5 associate researchers who are currently undertaking research for the Centre. The Development and Fundraising Office (DFO) has also seconded one staff member to work with the Centre.
The Centre is finalizing recruitment for a Programmes Manager. Further, an International Board of Advisors was put in place to support the Centre in strategy, policy and advisory functions. Additionally, there is an international editorial board to assist with the development and operations of the Centre’s Journal. Because, the Centre is based at the Business School, its functions are within the confines of the school and as such there are services that the Centre enjoys.
Among these services, are
There are also other centres at the school such as the Case Studies Centre, that are complementary. There are four main pillars of the Centre.
These are:
Academic Programmes
The Centre offers a variety of post-graduate degrees by coursework and research. The Master of Management in African Philanthropy is a one-year full-time degree by coursework. The same degree can be obtained through part-time studies in two years. The university has not started teaching this course yet because it is still awaiting accreditation by the Council on Higher Education.
The Master of Management by Research is a one year course full-time and does not involve coursework. A provision is also made for part-time students who need to complete in two years. The first intake was done in November 2018 and the first set of students will register at the beginning of 2019. The Centre has also admitted doctoral students in philanthropy. In addition to doctoral and MM programmes, the Centre also offers PhD Workshops and executive courses.
Research and Knowledge Sharing
The Centre developed a comprehensive research agenda which is currently under implementation. Currently, six research projects are underway in the areas that include community philanthropy, corporate social investment, social justice and movement building, philanthropic flows as well as the size and scope of philanthropy. Not only will this research close the gap that exists but it will also serve as material for teaching. To strengthen this area, the Centre also offers research fellowships, training and an annual conference and philanthropy institute. Further, the first issue of the Centre’s Journal – The International Review of Philanthropy and Social Investment will be published in mid-2019.
The Centre also strives to link practitioners in the private and nonprofit sector with academia. In this regard, the Centre holds an annual philanthropy conference, a philanthropy summer institute, lectures and also offers fellowships to industry and civil society leaders to reflect on their experiences.
Measurement and Impact
One of the modules of the MM Course is on the measurement and impact of philanthropy and social investment. Beyond this, the Centre aspires to create frameworks and mechanisms for measuring impact. This area is still under development.
There is only one centre for philanthropy in Africa at the American University in Cairo. This centre focuses on research. The Africa Centre on Philanthropy and Social Investment is therefore unique in that it is the only one in Africa that will conduct research but also offer degree courses. It is a unique opportunity for WBS and the entire Wits community to offer something lacking in the market, draw lessons from others globally who have done this already as well as develop new leaders and academics in the field of philanthropy. In designing the Centre, there was a lot of learning from centres in the USA and Europe.
The Centre has also received most of its funding from American foundations. It is therefore not surprising that in introducing the work of the Centre, we would hold events in those places where we have had support, and where we are likely to create linkages with the academy, non-profits, private sector, foundations and other interested stakeholders. The Carnegie Corporation of New York provided seed funding for the development of a cohort of researchers on African philanthropy and continues to also play leading roles in higher education and philanthropy spaces. It is, therefore, befitting that the introduction of the Centre to the USA be hosted by the Corporation with support from other institutions such as the Ford Foundation, Charles Stewart Foundation and the African Grant Makers Affinity Group.
The main objectives of this event are:
On May 16-17, 2019, the African Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment at the Wits Business School, the African Philanthropy Forum, TrustAfrica and the Harvard University’s Center for African Studies will host a two-day workshop in Johannesburg to explore key themes in African philanthropy and social investment.
The workshop will convene philanthropists (African and non-African), Non-Governmental Organizations that work in this area, policy-makers, the private sector, and academic researchers to explore how together we can formulate a coherent framework for African philanthropy. The 21st century can be Africa’s, but Africans will have to claim it.
The conference will be held alongside a PhD workshop that will bring together more than 20 African students based at different universities in Africa and beyond. A special session will be dedicated to a discussion by doctoral students on their research topics. In addition, ACPSI has commissioned six (6) research projects on various forms of philanthropy and social investment that will be presented at the conference.
No doubt Africa has seen this growth since 2008 and in line with global projections, by 2025 HNWIs wealth could reach US$100 trillion and this will see an increase in wealth in Africa. Yet in the backdrop of such immense growth and wealth sit dire humanitarian crises, a demographic boom, public health epidemics, and, most notably, the looming threat of climate change – a spectre that undoubtedly haunts the poorest on the continent. In sum, Africa will serve as a major site of contestation for the most important issues of our time.
No doubt this century belongs to the African philanthropists, whose capital, influence, local knowledge, and moral authority have the power to address these pressing challenges. Philanthropy, in all of its various forms, engages stakeholders from the private, public, non- profit, and religious sectors. It nimbly cuts across geographies, social classes, and demographic groups in a way that governments and businesses often cannot. The impetus for giving is clear: donors identify a rampant need in their communities and, for various religious, social, moral, and cultural reasons, choose to give freely of their resources. But what is the impact of their giving?
How can they give effectively and in innovative ways? What role does academia play in facilitating effective giving? And what are the strategies that need to be crafted to build an infrastructure for transformative change in Africa through philanthropy? It still remains less clear, particularly amongst academics, what the nuts and bolts of African philanthropy are – how it operates, who sustains it, and what challenges it encounters.
With this in mind, we propose a six-pronged conference agenda which prioritizes the following:
Assessing the Need for Philanthropy:
With the plethora of challenges facing the continent, philanthropists must selectively and cautiously allocate resources.
Which challenges will be most effectively addressed by African philanthropy?
Which issues should be left to government or the private sector? How can all three engage productively? How do philanthropists decide how to allocate their resources?
Accurately Landscaping African Philanthropy:
A dearth of accurate information exists about the size and scope of Africa’s philanthropic sector. Who are the major players in African philanthropy, both formal and informal? How do they allocate resources? How do they compete, converge, and connect with each other? What strategies do they use to address specific local needs? What do African philanthropists do differently from non-African counterparts operating on the continent? The existence of many foundations in Africa such as those formed by former presidents, sports personalities, international foundations and HNWIs raises questions about their role and effectiveness.
Religion and Philanthropy:
Africa is the most religiously fervent continent in the world, with Islam and Christianity playing a particularly strong role in public life. How does religion impact the ways in which people give? Which religious institutions – formal and informal – serve as conduits for philanthropic giving? What constraints does religious philanthropy impose
Legal and Policy Frameworks for Philanthropic Giving:
Despite progress over the past decade, many countries in sub-Saharan Africa lack strong legal and regulatory systems. How are states developing legal structures to encourage philanthropy? How do various tax, incorporation, endowment, and inheritance policies impact donors? How are these regulations enforced? Outside of the official state legal narrative, what other customary regulatory frameworks govern philanthropy and who mediates this liminal space? In addition, given new opportunities for giving such as African art, investment museums and historical sites, how can these be taken advantage of in making giving impactful?
Philanthropy as a Solution to Climate Change:
Rising sea levels and temperatures in the coming years will take a particularly heavy toll on vulnerable communities in Africa’s coastal and arid regions. How can philanthropy be mobilized to mitigate the effects of climate change? How do philanthropists deploy political capital and moral authority, supplementary to their financial resources, in the face of such an immense challenge? What are the limits of the effectiveness of philanthropy for issues of such monumental scale? With respect to climate change, where do the lines between public governance and private capital blur?
Connecting African Philanthropy to the Diaspora:
The African Diaspora worldwide consists of some 150 million people and must play a major role in the uplift of the continent. What is the size of their purchasing power? What philanthropic links do they maintain with Africa and by which mechanisms do they uphold these ties? How can African philanthropists better engage their counterparts in the Diaspora?
The International Society for Third Sector Research (ISTR) and the Africa Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment at Wits Business School will co-host a PhD Seminar for approximately 20 PhD students at all stages of their doctoral research in topics related to the Third Sector, i.e., civil society, the nonprofit sub-sector, philanthropy, social economy, social investment, venture philanthropy, corporate social investment and volunteerism, among others in May 14 – 15, 2019 at the Wits Business School in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Faculty members will be drawn from respected schools and universities across the globe. They include; Prof Annette Zimmer (University of Muenster, Germany), Prof Paul Alidade (Wits Business School, South Africa), Prof Una Osili, Lilly School of Philanthropy, USA), Prof Ruth Phillips (The University of Sydney, Australia), Dr Shauna Mottiar (University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa) and Dr Ali Awni (American University in Cairo).
The aim of the workshop is to provide doctoral students with the opportunity to receive extensive intellectual and methodological advice on their doctoral research from peers and scholars, to introduce them to main theories and developments in the field, to reflect upon publication and career strategies, and to provide an opportunity to network with scholars within the international ISTR research community.
