Nonprofits face a global crisis — just as they are needed most.

*This post has been updated on 02 February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented demands on nonprofits in South Africa. They have had to protect and support staff while their communities need support — from meals to mental health counselling — even more than before.

At Phambano Technology Development Centre NPC, we understand that nonprofits need to rapidly make technology decisions that will help them manage through the COVID-19 crisis. We also know that many lack the resources to do so — placing both them and those they serve at increased risk of falling behind at the worst possible time.

Technology and expertise can make a huge difference.

Early 2020, TechSoup launched the TechSoup COVID-19 Recovery Fund to help small organisations that need support in rapidly adjusting their technology planning, work processes, and service delivery. TechSoup raised funding to assist grassroot nonprofits to not only scale up their services, but complete online courses and afford digital transitioning to cloud-based products.

We, as the TechSoup South Africa partner, launched the Phambano COVID-19 Recovery Project for nonprofits in South Africa on 16 November 2020 and are happy to report that 43 eligible nonprofit organisations have been selected as beneficiaries:

  • Tom Ro Haven for Equines and Children
  • Resoketswe Lebjane Foundation
  • Mbeko Eco Club
  • Vessels of Virtue
  • Healing Beacon Foundation
  • Umthombo Wempilo
  • Siyakholwa Support Care Centre
  • Chintsa East Drop In Centre
  • Sakhisizwe Youth Development Programme
  • Masithembele Enrichment Centre
  • Sustainable Coffee Bay NPO
  • Zululand Mental Health Society
  • Thusanang Care Group
  • Amaqhawe Project Centre
  • Design26 Foundation NPC
  • Change Agents South Africa
  • Western Cape Network on Disability
  • Bloodriver Advice Office
  • Matlala Advice Office
  • Community Initiative for Social Enhancement
  • Circle of Unity NPC
  • Hervormde Goud Stukkies
  • Initiative for Community Advancement
  • Quegal Restoration and Refuge Centre (QRRC)
  • Kopano Community Transformation Organisation
  • Sinikithemba Home Based Cared Organisation
  • Moorreesburg Advice & Development Initiative
  • Mankweng Youth Development
  • Progress Nature Conservation Rangers Organization
  • Phakamani Young Minds Academy
  • Agelang Sechaba Botle
  • The Association for the Rehabilitation of Persons with Disability (REHAB)
  • Institute of Entrepreneurs
  • Orkney Community Legal Development & Education Centre
  • Mickey Foundation
  • Uthando No Musa Foundation NPC
  • Alok Tele Centre
  • Thabang Community Development Centre
  • Simunye Thuso Luncheon Club
  • Ark Soweto NPO
  • Be True 2 Me
  • 7th Heaven Children’s Haven
  • Open Arms Community Project

The 43 beneficiaries will be supported through this project from December 2020 – April 2021.

Our team have set Digital Transformation wheels in motion and have equipped the beneficiaries with a unique TechSoup Courses profile to enhance their digital skills training during this project. All beneficiaries have successfully begun their TechSoup Course journey and are being equipped with: Pivoting to Remote Work – COVID-19 Response for Nonprofits.

Each beneficiary organisation has been allocated a dedicated PhambanoTech team member to guide them through the hardware and software onboarding process and our technical teams have started setting up the beneficiary hardware and software resources.

Our digital marketing and website development teams are onboarding the beneficiaries with new / updated domains; new / updated websites and Google for Nonprofits Applications. During the handover process in March / April 2021, Digital Marketing strategy sessions will be implemented to equip beneficiaries with the tools and skills required to successfully manage their new / updated website.