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Almost nine in 10 South Africans did something charitable last year, says latest research.

 

Johannesburg, South Africa – Despite challenges in our country such as inequality, poverty and unemployment, it is encouraging to see that beyond the hardships in South Africa, a culture of giving remains at the centre of our vibrant society.

Must Read: Incredible story on how a soup kitchen has evolved to an opportunity based centre creating jobs and changing lives.

The hundredth anniversary since Nelson Mandela’s birth was commemorated in 2018. As the world joined hands in celebration of Madiba’s unwavering legacy, it was a powerful reminder of the way in which South Africans are passionate about philanthropic giving, be it donating money or volunteering time and skills to make a difference within communities. While Nelson Mandela Month is certainly a poignant time of philanthropy in the country, it is also important to remember that giving is something that happens every day, in different ways.

This annual study into philanthropic giving is testament to this.

This South Africa Giving 2019 report is one of an international series, produced across the CAF Global Alliance, a world-leading network of organisations working at the forefront of philanthropy and civil society. The series also includes reports covering Australia, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, India, Russia, the United States, and the UK.

88% of South Africans did something charitable such as giving money to a non-profit organisation (NPO), volunteering at their local church or sponsoring someone in the last 12 months. Around eight in ten (79%) did something charitable within the last four weeks.

That’s according to the South Africa Giving report released today. This was commissioned by CAF Southern Africa and the Charities Aid Foundation, an international charity that helps people and companies to give worldwide.

Almost 90% of South Africans did something charitable last year - SA Giving 2019 report

The analysis provides these key findings for individual giving in South Africa:

  • In 2018, people in South Africa continue to give at the same rate seen in 2017. Eight in ten (80%) have given money in the past 12 months, either to an NPO/charity, to a church or religious organisation, or by sponsoring someone.
  • The most popular cause to give to is helping the poor (55% of donors).
  • People who said that they donated in the last four weeks typically gave the same amount as they did in
    2017 – R500.„
  • Cash is overwhelmingly the most common method of donation, with almost three quarters (73%) of donors using this method to give.
  • Women are more likely to have donated than men (86% vs. 74%), but when they do give, men are more likely to make bigger donations (R1,884 vs. R1,256 for women).
  • Two thirds (66%) of people have volunteered in the past 12 months, with religious organisations being the most popular cause (44% of volunteers).
  • Two thirds of people (66%) have taken part in a civic activity in the past 12 months, in particular signing a petition and taking part in a local consultation.
  • Reflecting the high participation rates in South Africa, the majority of those surveyed believe that non-profit organisations (NPOs) have had a positive impact on their local communities, on South Africa as a whole, and internationally.
  • Whilst younger donors are much more likely than their older counterparts to report being influenced by giving behaviours in their family, only 15% of 18-24 year olds say that this is a reason why they give. 18-24 year olds are significantly more likely than average to say that their motivation for donating is realising that they can make a difference (64% vs. 56% overall).
  • Having more money themselves is the thing most likely to encourage people to donate more time, goods or money in the coming 12 months (50%).

The report also shines a light on the youngest generation of South Africans and how they interact with civil society, with 18-24 year olds significantly more likely than average to say that they donate to make a difference (64% vs. 56% overall).

18-24 year olds are also more likely than average to have volunteered in the four weeks prior to being interviewed, with 54% having done so. The findings indicate that younger people are more likely to join a pressure group or political party, as well as volunteer at elections, suggesting young people are increasingly willing to campaign for the causes that matter most to them.

This comes at a time when the debate over the implementation for free education is ongoing, with 21 billion rand set aside by the Government to fund this in 2019. South African students were pivotal in lobbying the Government on this issue, organising themselves across racial and gender lines to present a united voice on free higher education.

Commenting on the report, Gill Bates, Chief Executive of CAF Southern Africa adds: “It’s exciting to see so many South Africans getting involved in charitable activities, whether that’s by donating money or volunteering for a cause they care about. 80% of those surveyed also say that non-profits (NPOs) have had a positive influence on South Africa as a whole, with 82% agreeing that’s the case for their local communities too.

“This rises amongst young people aged 18-24, with 87% positive about the impact that NPOs have had on their local communities. Ultimately, this bodes well for the future of civil society in South Africa, with millions of young people so inspired and committed to enact real change.”

 


Sources: CAF South Africa
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About the Author

Brent Lindeque is the founder and editor in charge at Good Things Guy.

Recognised as one of the Mail and Guardian’s Top 200 Young South African’s as well as a Primedia LeadSA Hero, Brent is a change maker, thought leader, radio host, foodie, vlogger, writer and all round good guy.

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