Rays of Hope calls for change in corporate-NPO relations
Let’s explore relationships throughout the year and not just on Mandela Day or towards financial year-end, says Rays of Hope CEO Muziwethu Zwane.
Rays of Hope CEO Muziwethu Zwane has made a passionate plea to business leaders in South Africa to seriously re-imagine their roles and responsibilities to the communities that are impacted by their businesses.
In an open letter, Zwane, whose NPO has massive projects in Alexandra, said he wanted to prompt a much-needed change in the corporate social responsibility landscape. “I call on you all to re-imagine your roles in, and responsibilities to, the communities that surround and impact your businesses by taking the role of non-profit organisations more seriously.
While non-profit organisations provide significant value to society, it’s important to note that they face challenges related to fundraising, sustainability, and operational efficiency. However, their overarching mission is to make a positive impact and address critical social, environmental, and cultural needs,” he said.
Coming from a corporate background himself, Zwane said he was fully aware that the status quo that currently exists, where corporates often assume the role of ‘generous benefactor’ while nonprofits and their beneficiaries are the ‘humble and ever grateful recipients’, was convenient and comfortable for everyone.
Somehow, he said, corporates and NPOs have found their ‘groove’, in that businesses were happy to hand over funding and donations in meeting their CSI imperatives and BEE criteria, and NPOs are typically grateful to receive whatever they can get for their beneficiaries.
“For all intents and purposes, this system has long presented as a win-win for all involved. However, the problem is that it downplays the importance of NPOs and the respect they deserve. It completely ignores the vital role that NPOs play in society, driving economic growth and civic engagement while strengthening the fabric of society,” Zwane said.
Considering that there are more than 270 000 registered NPOs currently operating in South Africa as per the Department of Social Development’s NPO register as of February 2023, Zwane said there was no question of the value that NPOs bring to the table.
“In fact, the sheer volume of NPOs that exist, as I am sure you would agree, is indicative of the government’s shortcomings in serving the needs of all its citizens,” he said, adding: “In contrast, NPOs are able to identify and address the challenges facing the communities they serve a lot more effectively than government can because we work closely with people.”
Rays of Hope’s social workers, for instance, identified the need for a gender-based violence crisis centre in Alexandra after seeing that women and children were a greater risk of abuse at the hands of the men in their lives during the Covid-19 lockdown.
“My suggestion, then, is that we change the dynamic of how corporates and NPOs interact with one another. We need to embrace each other as partners in bringing lasting change to communities in need. Let’s explore, throughout the year and not just on Mandela Day or towards financial year-end, how we can work together to ensure your CSI imperatives are being met while channelling those efforts to make a more meaningful impact and support the communities we serve.
“I call on you to take us in the NPO space more seriously, to engage more meaningfully with your CSI objectives and become long-term stakeholders in bringing the change that people in Alexandra and across South Africa need.
“We stand at a crossroads where the actions of corporate leaders can shape the world for generations to come. The power to drive positive change resides within each of you.
“We invite you to join us in a shared commitment to ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible business practices. Let us harness innovation, collaboration, and empathy to address the pressing challenges of our era, leaving a legacy that transcends profits alone.
“Together, we can build a future where businesses not only thrive but also contribute meaningfully to the well-being of people. Your engagement in this endeavour is not just welcomed; it is vital. The time for action is now,” Zwane concluded.
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