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Inyathelo hails South Africa’s grey list removal, paving the way for robust NPO fundraising and global re-engagement
Cape Town, 26 October 2025 – Inyathelo, The South African Institute for Advancement, wholeheartedly welcomes the decision by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove South Africa from its list of Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring, commonly known as the grey list.
Acting Executive Director for Inyathelo, Feryal Domingo, explained that the institute views this successful delisting, following the swift and comprehensive addressing of all 22 identified deficiencies, as a significant…
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for NPOs | Webinar 3: Advanced Prompt Engineering
It’s time to go beyond the basics.
We’re excited to invite you to the third session in our Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for NPOs with a deeper dive into Prompt Engineering.This hands-on session is designed to help you move beyond experimenting with AI and start using it as a real, productive assistant in your organisation. Whether you need help drafting a report, creating content, or solving internal challenges. This session will show you how to give AI tools like C…
International Day of Charity – the NPO sector is so much more than charity
Cape Town, 04 September 2025 - As the world commemorates International Day of Charity on 5 September, Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement, highlights the strategic importance of the work done by the non-profit sector.
Feryal Domingo, Acting Executive Director of Inyathelo, said it is worth unpacking the role of the NPO sector, in the context of often being labelled the charity sector or mistakenly, an industry made up primarily of volunteers.
“It is crucial to pause and ref…
CASE-Inyathelo inaugural internship programme launched in South Africa
Cape Town, 10 June 2025 - The Council for Advancement and Support in Education (CASE), a global organisation with offices in London, Mexico City, Singapore and Washington DC, has partnered with the South African Institute for Advancement, Inyathelo, and today launched an inaugural internship programme in South Africa, which gives 11 local graduates an opportunity to harness their skills in the field of advancement, at six universities across the country.
ABOVE: Interns fro…
Inyathelo strengthens NPO sector with useful AI training
Cape Town, 5 June 2025 – Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement, says the correct use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can significantly impact sustainability in the NPO sector, and they have developed a series of webinars to guide the sector through this new territory, with the next one scheduled for 19 June 2025.
An introduction to AI for NPOs webinar was recently held, and Jacques Swart, operations co-ordinator, specialising in Generative and AI-Enhanced Data Analy…
Unintended consequences of the Financial Action Task Force recommendations for the non-profit sector in South Africa
Inyathelo, The South African Institute for Advancement, is conducting a survey of nonprofit organisations in South Africa to better understand how international financial regulations, particularly the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, are affecting the sector. We would value your participation in this survey. While the FATF recommendations aim to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing, they can also lead to unintended consequences, such as increased scrutiny, restri…
Building A Strong Nonprofit Financial Governance Foundation
Soraya Joonas | Finance Director, Inyathelo
Every year Inyathelo publishes its financial audited statements in full, unabridged and publicly, in the annual report. We are aware that this is an important form of financial governance in showing transparency, accountability and building trust. However, we notice that sometimes it is a struggle to locate the financial statements of other nonprofit entities on their websites or in their annual reports, and this can present a governance dilemm…
Coffee, Chaos and AI: Making Miracles Happen in the Nonprofit World
Jacques Swart | Operations Co-ordinator, Inyathelo
Hey there! Grab a seat and let me tell you about this wild journey I’ve been on with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the nonprofit world. It’s been quite a ride, and I’m bursting to share what I’ve learned.
So picture this: I’m sitting at my desk at Inyathelo, drowning in paperwork and thinking, “There’s got to be a better way.” That’s when I stumbled upon this AI thing everyone’s been talking about. At first, I was sceptical – I mean, robo…
Navigating the Shifting Landscape Of Corporate Social Investment: Key Insights For NPOs
Lunga Schoeman | Corporate Social Investment Programmes Manager, Development Bank of Southern Africa
In today’s evolving Corporate Social Investment (CSI) landscape, companies are realigning their strategies to integrate broader business goals and societal impacts.
For nonprofit organisations (NPOs), understanding these shifts is crucial to securing and sustaining corporate support. As management consultant Peter Drucker once said, “The best way to predict the future is to cre…
Webinar 1: 24 April 2025 | A Beginner's Guide to AI for Non-Profit Organisations
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the way non-profit organisations work, and we want to help you get started! We’re excited to invite you to our upcoming free webinar "A Beginner’s Guide to AI for Non-Profit Organisations." This session will introduce you to the fundamentals of AI and Large Language Models, breaking down how they can be used effectively in the non-profit space.
Whether you're new to AI or looking for a refresher, this webinar will provide practical, entry-level gu…
Insights for Successful Fundraising
By Karen Pillay | Business Continuity Manager at the Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation.
Over the past few decades, the nonprofit sector in Africa has significantly expanded, becoming a vital force in tackling social justice challenges and empowering communities. However, the challenge of limited resources often hampers their efforts. Therefore, it is essential for organisations to prioritise and implement effective fundraising strategies to fulfil their missions…
ESG in the Nonprofit Sector: Sustainable Development Requires Sustainable Practices
Reana Rossouw | Owner and Founder, Next Generation Consultants
The incorporation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles in corporate social investment and philanthropic programmes has been common practice for years.
The same cannot be said for the nonprofit sector. To be sustainable and maintain its impact, it’s vital that the sector starts integrating ESG from strategic, operational and programmatic perspectives.
ESG represents three core factors that indicate the su…
Amplifying Impact: Nonprofit Voice and Visibility
Professor Bhekinkosi Moyo | Director of The Centre On African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at the Wits Business School
Having served in various nonprofits across the continent, including in regions where it is hard to run an institution due to a lack of resources, a discussion of voice and visibility among African nonprofits should include issues of structure, systems, policies and positioning.
Structure
Institutions need to consider how they are structured. Are they in…
NPO Sustainability Training – supporting NPOs to elevate their organisations
As NPOs navigate the funding landscape and changes in legislation that impact compliance, Inyathelo, the South African Institute for Advancement, is a core pillar of reference, guidance, expertise and support to scores of civil society organisations.
Inyathelo hosted an NPO Sustainability Training session at their advancement hub in Woodstock, on Thursday, 20 February 2025. The Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) Unit of the Western Cape Department of Social Development, under the leadership…
Fundraising Insights for South African Universities from an International Perspective
Mari Booysen | Senior Development Manager, Massey University Foundation, New Zealand
It’s no secret that universities worldwide are grappling with ongoing challenges, compounded by the disruptions brought about by Covid-19. Attracting traditional sources of income has become increasingly tough. These sources, often categorised into various streams, include government funding, student tuition and fees (both local and international), research grants and contracts, philanthropy, investment…
The Impact of FATF Regulations on NPOS in South Africa
Glenn Farred, Social Justice and Development Activist
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has significantly impacted the regulatory environment for nonprofits in South Africa. FATF itself is a little-known and understood international body, having been established by the G7 in 1989, initially to combat money laundering and later expanded to countering terrorist financing.
The public is, however, familiar with its nomenclature, as widely reported in the media, as the “grey list”, whic…
Navigating the new NPO fundraising landscape
Inyathelo, a long-standing South African nonprofit organisation (NPO) which helps other NPOs to build capacity for long-term financial sustainability, has urged local NPOs to review and professionalise their funding strategies.
This comes as many NPOs, particularly in the health sector, are grappling with American funding uncertainties since the inauguration of President Trump. The US government is the single largest global humanitarian funder, giving $13.9 billion in 2024, and is the largest…
The Resilience and Challenges of South Africa’s Civil Society Sector
Fatima Shabodien, Independent Development Consultant
South Africa is globally recognised and revered for its vibrant tradition of organised civil society. It’s useful to remind ourselves that despite our many shortcomings, we are recognised and celebrated as one of the strongest civil society sectors in the region, if not the world. This is not to be taken for granted. It’s a tradition to be proud of and fiercely guarded.
Our Constitution presupposes a strong, diverse, and vibrant organised c…
The Imperative of Strategic Planning for NPOs
Professor Eric Atmore, Director, Centre for Early Childhood Development
Strategic planning is absolutely key to a nonprofit organisation (NPO) achieving its mission. It involves determining where an organisation wants to go (strategy) and outlining the steps needed to get there (planning). These two elements are inextricably linked. Think of it as a pilot charting a flight course, with specific markers to ensure the journey stays on track.
For NPOs, strategic planning is not just a tool…
The Role of Civil Society in Advocating for Good Governance, Accountability, And Ethical Leadership in South Africa
Dr Paul Kariuki, Executive Director, Democracy Development Program (DDP)
South Africa is in a transition again. The 2024 National and Provincial elections were pivotal to the changing political landscape in the country. Citizens were decisive and voted for change – seeking change in the way the country is governed, ending the era of one dominant political party, and ushering in an era of collective governance.
While there was no outright winner of the election, the electoral outcome…
Democracy's Progress and Civil Society’s Role in Advancing South Africa’s Future
Dr Russell Ally, Chairperson, Inyathelo Board of Trustees
Dr Ally reflects on the significant gains South Africa has made in its democratic journey, particularly in light of the recent elections. However, he cautions that much work remains for civil society organisations such as Inyathelo.
As we mark 30 years of democracy, our recent participation in the seventh national elections underscores the resilience of our constitutional democracy. This milestone is not just a testament to…
Webinar Series: NPO Policy -- Alignment with Best Practices and Global Standards (14 Nov & 5 Dec 2024)
Join us for an engaging webinar series on South Africa’s NPO policy development and its alignment with global standards, focusing on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendations. This 2-part webinar series offers a unique opportunity to delve into the challenges, pitfalls, and best practices in meeting compliance requirements while promoting good governance.
Why attend?
The NPO Policy is a crucial gap for the nonprofit sector, setting a clear framework that protects and supports t…
Workshop: Elevate Your Organisation: Master Fundraising, Sustainability, Governance And Compliance (27 Nov 2024)
The one-day training session is designed for new and emerging organisations, as well as new board members, staff, and those seeking a refresher. This intensive workshop will equip you with the knowledge and essential tools to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
What You’ll Learn:
Proven strategies for effective fundraising
Insights into building long-term sustainability
Best practices in governance and compliance
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, 27 November 2024
Time: 9…
Nonprofits warned to comply with laws or face deregistration
Thousands of long-established South African nonprofit organisations, which have registered under the Nonprofit Act as “NPOs”, are being encouraged to ensure legal compliance with that Act, as the Department of Social Development (DSD) begins a process from the end of October to update its records.
Organisations with NPO status that remain non-compliant may face deregistration from the NPO register. Those which depend on government funding may then have challenges with contracts and partnership…
#ThinkGood: Building resilient nonprofit organisations together
Inyathelo acting executive director Feryal Domingo, Ziyo -Accountants with Heart operations manager Zoë Bailey, Ziyo - Accountants with Heart office administrator Danielle van Reen, and EM Solutions founding partner Michelle Davidson.
Dozens of nonprofit and civil society organisations (NPOs) gathered in Woodstock, Cape Town on Thursday 12 September for #ThinkGood, an annual event for the sector to share expertise, insights and contacts.
The gathering was coordinated by the NPO Service Prov…
[WEBINAR - 10 October 2024] Level up your NPO: Mastering the New IT3(d) submission process
Are you facing obstacles in submitting your new IT3(d) 18A information? Do you need expert assistance with the https:// format or the new SARS submission interface? Here is your chance to receive expert and practical guidance. Section 18A of the Income Tax Act enables a taxpayer, who has made a donation, to claim a tax deduction up to a certain limit. SARS has tightened up systems in order to address fraud in this area and has increased the number of donor deta…
Obituary: Professor Brian O'Connell (1944-2024)
It is with deep sadness that Inyathelo shares the news of the passing of Professor Brian O'Connell, former Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Western Cape (UWC). A visionary leader, an advocate for social justice, and a tireless champion of education, Professor O'Connell's legacy will endure far beyond the halls of academia.
Professor O’Connell was born in 1944 and grew up as one of seven children in District Six. His family had very little money but his father was passionate…
[RECAP] NPO Webinar: South Africa's Non-Profit Sectoral Risk Assessment
We held a webinar on "South Africa's Non-Profit Sectoral Risk Assessment and the Path Forward" on August 14, 2024 with over 175 attendees joining us for this informative session. Feedback indicated a wide range of understanding regarding anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) regulations as they apply to the non-profit sector.
The presentations by our esteemed speakers, Ben Evans, Lizé van Schoor, and Thalia Malmberg, provided valuable insights into the FATF…
AI and non-profits
Inyathelo operations coordinator Jacques Swart recently led an artificial intelligence (AI) training webinar on prompt engineering. Read more here.
SARS practical session on the IT3(d) third-party reporting
In collaboration with SARS, Inyathelo held a well-attended session on 7 May 2024 to amplify information distributed to the non-profit sector on new SARS requirements for approved Section 18A institutions to submit tax-deductible receipt information.
Rochnee Rivera-Greene, Specialist in Education and Campaigns (Tax Exempt Institutions) and her team were on hand to field questions on the new submission requirements, deadline 31 May 2024. It was an opportunity to allay fears behind much of the…
Trust through transparency: How NPOs should deal with conflicts of interest
Feryal Domingo, acting executive director of Inyathelo, a nonprofit trust that helps build capacity in NPOs, highlights the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest to ensure good governance and reputational integrity.
Nonprofit organisations (NPOs) play a vital role in South African society by addressing numerous social, environmental, and humanitarian issues.
Public trust in these organisations is based on their integrity, so how they manage potential conflicts of interest is central to…
The importance of capacity building for non-profit board members
By Mandisa Zitha | Festival Director, Encounters Training And Development Institute
The Encounters Training and Development Institute organises the annual Encounters South African International Documentary Festival. Now in its 25th year, Encounters has an established reputation locally and globally, as well as the trust of distributors, filmmakers, and audiences. The Festival has built strong networks over the years and is the launchpad of African documentaries to the world.
The Festiv…
Compliance and impact of deregistration on the non-profit sector
Abdul Raof Ryklief I Deputy Director: Institutional Capacity Building, Directorate: Partnership Development, Department Of Social Development
The non-profit sector continues to grow in numbers in South Africa, where currently there are 276 434 NPOs registered in terms of the NPO Act (19 July 2023), compared to July 2022 where there were 260 494 NPOs.
During the last 12 months, 15 940 new registrations were approved by the National Department of Social Developme…
New tax rule impacts PBOs
Section 18A-approved entities must now submit third-party data to Sars for donations received between 1 March 2023 and 29 February 2024. Those without donations must submit a nil declaration. Non-compliance risks losing tax-deductible status, as Sars compliance is crucial.
Read more here | IOL News, 14 April 2024
Picture: Timothy Bernard: Independent Newspapers.
The importance of mental health in the non-profit sector
By Kia Cordeiro and NPOwer team
SA Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)
Mental health remains unintegrated and misunderstood across the healthcare sector. South Africans feel let down by the system, which adds to the apathy and fear of seeking treatment. Finances, unemployment, transport, violence, and stigma mean NPOs like the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) have had to increase their reach to communities and ensure they have the resources to rema…
Human Rights Day: Strengthening human rights organisations for long-term impact
In an era marked by global challenges to democracy, and increasing limits on the fundamental rights of citizens, human rights organisations play a vital role in defending values such as freedom and equality. However, to fulfil their missions effectively, these organisations need to build their own capacity for sustainability.
The vital work carried out by civil society requires not only dedication and passion, but also financial resources and reserves, says Feryal Domingo, acting execu…
Equipping non-profit board members to fulfil their roles
Malcolm Boyd, Managing Trustee – Ceo, Third Sector Insights
Corporate social investment practitioners, not only in South Africa but globally, understand that having professional, knowledgeable, competent, and dedicated governing body members of non-profit organisations (NPOs) is essential today.
The donor, funder and social impact investor community is becoming more stringent on this issue, and has made it a high priority, especially when conducting due diligence…
The imperative of good governance in funder-grantee partnerships
Anne Emmett, INDEPENDENT PHILANTHROPY CONSULTANT AND CHARTERED DIRECTOR SOUTH AFRICA
In development funding practice and in the world of non-profit organisations (NPOs), strong partnerships between funders and grantee partners are essential for achieving shared goals and driving positive social impact.
A successful partnership is rooted in the acknowledgment of mutual benefits and responsibilities. The funder, driven by a specific mandate, requires the grantee’s assistance…
Planning ahead for long-term sustainability and resilience
Audrey Elster Executive Director: Raith Foundation
The RAITH Foundation is a private philanthropic organisation, focused on the advancement of social justice in South Africa. RAITH was established in 2001 and will close its doors no later than 2036. This planned end date has forced us to look to the future and our legacy post-2036.
Funding relevant, effective work now and sustaining the progress made with our funding (estimated to be about R1.5b by 2034) has become even more important and u…
Save the date: World NGO Day / Inyathelo Open Day
Don't miss our next opportunity to Celebrate, Commemorate, and Collaborate on #WorldNGODay2024. To RSVP click here: bit.ly/inyathelo2024
The critical role of philanthropy in driving African resilience and innovation
Jane Connolly SENIOR MANAGER, DONOR DEVELOPMENT – WESTERN HEALTH FOUNDATION
It gives me great pleasure to provide this article as a guest writer for the Inyathelo Annual Report 2022/23. Inyathelo has been a vital peak organisation advocating for philanthropy, providing practical tools and conceptual frameworks to South African organisations since 2002.
Like many organisations working in the social justice space, Inyathelo has remained committed to its mission and vision with limited resou…
Towards rebuilding the South Africa we want: Unmuting Civil Society for sustainability, resilience, and social transformation.
Boichoko Ditlhake, Civil Society Support Manager, Kagiso Trust
It is no understatement that South Africa is under siege from many fronts, afflicted by corruption, violent crimes such as cash-in-transits, violation and killing of women and girl children, collapse of state institutions and governance, and service delivery failures, among others. As a result, ordinary citizens are at their wits’ end as to how to effectively express their frustration and hopelessness at being left out – and have…
Degrees of disarray — South African universities becoming lost in grapples with governance crises
Jonathan Jansen, Distinguished Professor of Education at Stellenbosch University
When university executives act as governors and make decisions that legally reside with council, there will be instability. All of this can be avoided when we appoint competent, ethical, and wise leaders to govern and indeed manage our universities.
There can be little question that South African higher education faces its most serious governance crisis since the dawn of democracy in the mid-1990s. The crisi…
WEBINAR: Navigating Challenges related to money laundering and terrorist financing regulations. Updates and insights from the NPO Working Group
The NPO Working Group has been actively monitoring changes in legislation related to the recommendations set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) regarding anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations. We have continued to partner with key stakeholders and remain informed on any changes that could negatively impact the South African nonprofit sector.
We invite all interested parties to a webinar on the 25th of January, from 10:00-12:00, titled "Navigating Challenges r…
Adapting to change: Inyathelo's journey of impact and evolution
Dr Russell Ally CHAIRPERSON, INYATHELO BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Institutions, like living organisms, must adapt to changing circumstances and environments in order to ensure their continued existence. Failure to do so can imperil their very purpose and relevance. Inyathelo, an organisation that recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, serves as a prime example of an institution that has undergone shifts and changes, while consistently making a significant impact.
Throughout its tenure, Iny…
Empowering and educating non-profit board members for effective governance
Soraya Joonas, Financial Director, Inyathelo
On 24 February 2023, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) took the decision to include South Africa on its "grey list", thereby classifying it as a jurisdiction under increased monitoring. This greater scrutiny has a ripple effect on registration, banking, auditing and reporting requirements.
It is critical that board members of non-profits be aware of compliance requirements and impactful changes in the law, in order for them to exercise their f…
Updates and Insights from NPO Working Group : Navigating Challenges related to anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations.
The NPO Working Group has been actively monitoring changes in legislation that could lead to the closing of civic space since its inception in 2021 due to misinterpretation and misapplication. We have continued to partner with key stakeholders and will remain informed on any changes that could negatively impact the nonprofit sector. Anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations are designed to address serious global concerns but have had unintended consequences for civic space and…
Out of Office: 14 Dec 2023 - 8 Jan 2024
Please note that Inyathelo's office will be closed from 14 December 2023 - 8 January 8 2024, due to the holiday/festive season. During this period, we will be unavailable to respond to inquiries or requests.
We will resume our regular operations and attend to all messages upon our return on 8 January 8 2024.
Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to serving you upon our return.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season!
Happy Holidays from Inyathelo!
This year has been a busy and challenging period for civil society on many fronts, from proposed legislative changes to enhanced compliance requirements. Many organisations have struggled to remain sustainable in the face of obstacles such as load-shedding and diminished donor funding. The fact that the sector continues to succeed against the odds, reveals the resourcefulness, commitment and tenacity of the thousands of dedicated people who make a difference in the lives of their fellow citi…