Shall we talk about Non-profits?
Some years ago as I set out to start a non-profit company I received mixed reactions; the sheer delight of some who saw the potential and the value of an organisation committed to being of public benefit, and the grimace of others who were in that second recollecting all the non-profit related scams and money laundering they had heard of. Undaunted, I plodded on with it, guided by an internal desire to make a difference and very aware that our country is colourful, beautiful and imperfect.
It is now over 6 years later and I am glad I took those steps to form a non-profit company, it has been an extraordinary journey that has given me the joy of touching many lives from the homeless to the wealthy, and to reach into the brokenness of humanity at many levels through hampers for the homeless, dignity bags and training aimed at empowering people to live out their God-given purpose.
Now, I am able to offer the service of the registration of non-profits as well. I believe in the good non-profits add to our country, I believe in the potential they carry, and I celebrate the unique mandates and assignments of each one. I believe in the worth of non-profits; so much so that I am tempted to say everyone should get behind at least one or two non-profits that have the potential to make a difference.
It is one year since Covid-19 hit our shores, and as I drive around the City I am painfully aware of the impact on the poor and vulnerable. We have more homeless people on the streets of our beloved Country now than I have seen in past years. The need is staggering, the desperation acute. Non-profits have stepped in and helped where they can, bringing humane relief to many.
As I think about non-profits, I think too that South Africans need to continue to revive the culture of giving, something which gained momentum during the last year. I believe that one of the ways we undo or unravel a thing is to respond in the opposite way, for example anger can sometimes be unraveled by kindness, or hate by love. I do believe that if a people plagued by the greed, selfish ambition and corruption of a few, rose up in the selfless acts of generosity, giving, preferring others and choosing to build a culture that honours even the least of us, we would turn the tide in this nation. Non-profits are vehicles fueled by the generosity of the people. Through our giving, we directly impact the distance it can go or the reach it can have. But, at the same time the act of giving exposes and unravels all that is opposite. Generosity is at the heart of Africa, let us continue to revive this grace.
There are certainly non-profits that are working; day-after-day they commit their lives to serving the least, to uplifting the weakest and to upholding the strong. Month-after-month they give even beyond their means to make a difference. This is gold, real gold, our gold. These we must celebrate, support and assist.
And it is because of this “gold” that I can encourage you to go for the dream on your heart if it is a non-profit. Do not be hemmed in by the failures or corruption of others, but take your bold steps in pursuit of the dream on your heart to make a difference, because quite frankly, we do need your difference. The same goes for entrepreneurs, creatives, and other dreamers.
Non-profit entities are very useful for everything from voluntary associations like a soccer club, to complex entities like churches or housing projects, from individual organisations like ministries to community projects like soup kitchens. South Africa has also put in place some safety measures for public trust with the creation of non-profit companies, but you can read more about that and other practical aspects regarding registration in the next article.
Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and not intended as legal advice. You are welcome to contact me or any other Attorney to book a consultation for specific advice applicable to your circumstances.