Giving Compass' Take:

• Sandisiwe Shoba discusses the growing frustration with inequality in South Africa and how many believe philanthropies aggravate it.

• How can philanthropies be cognizant of their own position of wealth and work with the community they are serving to reduce inequality?

• Learn about structural inequalities.

The Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA), launched its Annual Review of South African philanthropy during a two-day symposium at Stellenbosch University from 28 to 29 October 2019.

The review was aimed at highlighting the work and nature of philanthropy which is seldom discussed in depth. Philanthropic funds are often “private money” and accessing this financial data can prove difficult.

The conference, themed as “Social Cohesion: towards building trust and hope”, focused on how philanthropy can foster unity in South Africa.

Former public protector Professor Thuli Madonsela, who delivered the closing address, said the core of social cohesion is “living together harmoniously," but inequality is the biggest threat to social harmony.

During a panel discussion between Roelf Meyer, Rekgotsofetse Chikane and Lovelyn Nwadeyi, Chikane, an activist and author of Breaking a Rainbow, Building a nation: The Politics Behind the #MustFall Movements, felt the term “born-free” should be replaced, as those born in poverty are likely to die impoverished.

Meyer, who played a key role in negotiations to end apartheid, felt that since 1994, several mistakes had been made resulting in a failing education system, slow land reform, a BEE system that benefits only a few elites, and an economic model that doesn’t work in democratic South Africa.

Activist and founder of L&N Advisors, Nwadeyi pointed out the inequality represented by philanthropy.

“At the core of these organizations is the idea that it’s okay to have one group that amasses wealth. There is a level of greed,” she said.

Read the full article about inequality as the biggest threat to South Africa by Sandisiwe Shoba at Daily Maverick.