Thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public & Development Management) to the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management, University of the Witwatersrand May 2016 / The study aimed to conduct an output evaluation of eKhaya Neighbourhood Development Programme in Hillbrow South, an intervention which was set up in 2004 to advance safety, cleanliness and welcoming behaviour among residents in a historically perilous and unpopular neighbourhood. Hillbrow South is the first precinct to conduct this intervention within Hillbrow and even with the expansion of the intervention to the broader part of Johannesburg, the niggling factor since eKhaya’s implementation has always been whether there is any value for this type of intervention to the stakeholders, whether the intervention is worth the support of funders who can potentially carry this programme forward through adequate funding. Such stakeholders require convincing indication that the programme is working hence an output evaluation study. The research interrogates various literatures to find the ones used to guide this study. In this regard, Howarth (1998) and the Housing Development Agency (2012) are the two literatures identified for this purpose. Through self-administered questionnaires and focus groups, data was collected from existing tenants who are beneficiaries of the intervention. A t-test was used to analyse data and content analysis or narrative analysis for the analysis of focus group data. The research findings in both the survey and focus group are in-sync and show a positive outcome among residents. One of the lessons learned from this study indicate the need for continued research on the impact of the programme. These findings are accompanied by recommendations on how to improve the programme in various areas. / MB2016

Thesis (Ph. D.) - Central University of Technology, Free State, 2007 / This academic study was conducted as a critical scientific enquiry on the positionality of service learning at selected South African higher education institutions. The study critically and scientifically reflects on the positionality of the concept of service learning as practised at higher education institutions. It elucidates the different levels of conceptualisation and operationalisation of service learning by universities in relation to their catchment areas. In so doing, the study probes the positionality of power relations between higher education institutions and their catchment areas and/or local communities in the practice of service leaning. Given the traditional and historical domineering and ‘ivory tower’ positioning and conduct of higher education institutions in relation to their catchment areas, the study explores the fundamental nature and spirit of power relations in the operationalisation of service learning. It probes whether the relationship between service learning policy development and societal development initiatives is still shaped and influenced by historical legacies of the apartheid logic, such as academic domineering and institutional hegemony. The study also investigates whether these feature in the pursuit of service learning, curriculum development and transformative efforts as practised by selected universities. In order to draw parallels with studies of a similar nature, the study interrogates related literature. This enabled reflection on progressive conceptualisations of service learning, as opposed to retrogressive and/or technicist and, perhaps hegemonic and categorising concepts of service learning. In so doing, the study moves from the premise that, despite high levels of interest in civic matters within and among institutions of higher learning in South Africa, service learning as a vehicle for social transformation and progressive teaching and learning, seems to be largely neglected, under-theorised and, at times, disguised as a tool for the reproduction of inequalities. As a means of collecting data for the purpose of analysis and interpretation, the study uses a purely qualitative methodology. A Textually Oriented Discourse Analysis (TODA) was selected as a first choice and preferred methodology for the study of this nature because of its propensity to thematise issues of power relations. Furthermore, qualitative methodology is predisposed to recognising the subjectivity of the researcher in being intimately involved in the research process. This subjectivity, as encouraged by qualitative methodology, has guided everything in this research study, beginning with the choice of the topic, proceeding to developing objectives for the study, to the selection of the methodology itself and ultimately to the interpretation of data. Through this methodology, the researcher was encouraged to reflect on the values and objectives of the study and how these could be used to problematise issues of power relations. Although the study presents some quantitative data from other sources, there were a number of research problems that, for one reason or the other, did not lend themselves to a quantitative/ positivistic approach. Claims and pronouncements of quantitative researchers about the principles of objectivity, quantification and absolutism are not appropriate for thematising about issues of power relations, especially in instances of hegemony, domination, exclusivity, ideological inclination, discursion, justice and emancipatory praxis. To contextualise and narrow the focus area for research purposes, two South African higher education institutions (the universities of the Free State and of the Witwatersrand) were selected for the study. The choice of the two institutions was influenced by their history of involvement in service learning and curriculum repositioning processes. They have also been consistently portrayed by the South African academic world as strong campaigners in the operationalisation of first-rate service learning models, in the Free State and Gauteng provinces respectively (refer to chapter three for a detailed justification for such a choice). The findings of this study indicate that the selected universities have responded to calls to reposition themselves in the area of synchronising their academic offerings with the reconstruction and development imperatives of the country. The research established that the two institutions have produced strategic service learning policy documents as a means of responding more appropriately to the needs of communities. The implementation of such documents was intended to enable the two institutions to develop service learning policy positions, thus making an institutional commitment to operationalising service learning. The study has, however, determined that there are gaps and inconsistencies in terms of policy commitments and the operationalisation of service learning by the two institutions. In line with the themes developed in this study, it was established that the two institutions have limited the extent of their commitment to paper (policy documentation) and heartfelt pronouncements. The study furthermore reveals that despite the paper and heartfelt commitments of the two institutions on the concept of service learning, they are still restfully positioned as expert-oriented entities. By their nature and continuous domineering roles, they remain sites for the transmission of an effective dominant and domineering culture which limits the possibilities of their unleashing an emancipatory praxis that is so critical in the context of a transforming South Africa.

In view of the high levels of poverty in most under-developed and developing countries, poverty reduction has become an international phenomenon. South Africa (SA) is a country faced with the challenge of poverty as a result of the high rates of unemployment fifteen (15) years after the introduction of the new democratic dispensation. Poverty reduction has been placed at the centre of global development objectives to improve people‟s lives through expanding their choices, their freedom, and their dignity. Numerous countries have developed poverty-reduction strategies, which are over-arching macro-strategies implemented by different social and economic sectors in collaboration with the private sector. South Africa, however, does not have an over-arching poverty reduction strategy, which is the key national governmental priority, although many poverty-reduction programmes exist. The existing poverty reduction initiatives in South Africa, such as Income Generating Projects (IGPs), are either established by Government or the Civil Society structures with the aim to assist in changing the standard of living of poor people so that they can at least meet their basic needs, such as food, shelter and clothing. This study focuses on the IGPs that operate in Atteridgeville, Tshwane, with the view to explore and describe the experiences of individuals who participate in these IGPs. A qualitative research approach was selected for the study and three IGPs were selected from the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) that affiliate to the Phelindaba Forum. This Forum coordinates social development activities in Atteridgeville, Saulsville and Mshengoville. The findings of the study indicated that although IGPs are established to benefit participants financially, there are other factors that motivate people to join and remain in the projects, such as moral support amongst members. Furthermore, some NGOs claim to facilitate IGPs, but in some instances, these IGPs are left to operate on their own without much needed assistance. The recommendation for future studies is that participants need to be engaged with in order to get a true reflection of how the IGPs operate. The assistance and support of NGOs are crucial for the sustainability of such projects. / Social Work / M.A. (Social Science (Mental Health))

This thesis is a decolonial feasibility study on the National Department of Housing’s (now National Department of Human Settlement) policy of eradicating informal settlements by 2014. In this thesis I argue that the policy intent of eradicating informal settlements by the proposed date of 2014 cannot be feasible without transcending the structure that produce these informal settlements in the first place. This is why even though we are towards the end of 2014 there is not yet clear evidence that the informal settlements are being eradicated or will be eradicated in the near future. In this dissertation, I argue that informal settlements are a product of a global power structure of coloniality (multiple forms of colonialisms that survive the demise of apartheid) that produces inequalities among human beings including the habitat sphere. I deploy the experience of Mshenguville informal settlement to demonstrate that the experience of informal settlement is just but a marker or sign of inequality among human beings in the age of Western-centred modernity. Thus those in informal settlement are considered to exist on the darker side of modernity as opposed to those in splashy suburb who experience the brighter side of modernity. / Development Studies / M.A. (Development Studies)

Thesis (MPhil) -- Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Legislation encourages local government! municipalitiesl local authorities in South Africa, to fulfil a development role. One of the main objectives of municipalities performing a development role is to empower communities, especially previously disadvantaged communities. This study argues that the services delivered by municipalities are an essential component of a development orientation. In view of this fact, the study proposes an operational framework, whereby community empowerment can be achieved through municipal service delivery. The operational framework suggest that for community empowerment to be achieved through municipal service delivery, requires that the empowerment enabler (municipalities or departments within municipalities) should assure that: disadvantaged communities have access to services, services must be delivered in a non-discriminatory manner, the community should understand the rationale as to why the service is delivered, opportunity should be given for community participation in the delivery process, there should be a constant information channel between the giver (enabler) and receiver of services, and human resources from the local community should be utilised where possible in the delivery process. Lastly, a descriptive evaluation is undertaken of the health department's approach (at the Stellenbosch Municipality) to the delivery of primary healthcare services and service infrastructure. The purpose of the evaluation is to ascertain whether the principles as proposed in the operational framework are present in the health department's approach to service delivery. The evaluation reveals that most of the proposed principles of the operational framework features in the health department's approach to the delivery of primary healthcare services and services infrastructure. Thereby, concluding that the health department follows to a certain extent an approach to service delivery that could ultimately lead to community empowerment. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Wetgewing vereis dat plaaslike regering/ plaaslike owerhede/ munisipaliteite in Suid-Afrika, 'n ontwikkelingsrol moet vervul. Een van die doelstellings van 'n ontwikkelingsrol vir munisipaliteite, is om gemeenskappe te bemagtig, spesifiek gemik op agtergeblewe gemeenskappe. Hierdie studie argumenteer dat die dienste gelewer deur munisipaliteite 'n essensiële komponent vorm van 'n ontwikkelings-orientasie. Gevolglik, stel hierdie studie 'n operasionele raamwerk voor, waarvolgens gemeenskapsbemagtiging bewerkstellig kan word deur middel van munisipale dienslewering. Die operasionele raamwerk stel voor dat om gemeenskapsbemagting deur dienslewering te bewerkstellig, vereis dat die bemagtiger (munisipaliteite of departemente binne munisipaliteite) moet toesien dat: agtergeblewe gemeenskappe toegang het tot diente, dienste moet gelewer word op 'n niediskriminerende wyse, die gemeenskap moet verstaan waarom die diens gelewer word, geleentheid moet geskep word vir gemeenskapsdeelname aan die diensleweringsproses, 'n kommunikasie kanaal tussen die ontvanger en leweraar (bemagtiger) van dienste, moet geskep word en laastens moet daar van plaaslike arbeid (waar moontlik), in die diensleweringsproses gebruik word. Laastens word 'n beskrywende evaluering onderneem na die Gesondheidsdepartement (by die Stellenbosch Munisipaliteit) se benadering tot die lewering van primêre gesondheidssorgdienste asook diens infrastruktuur. Die doel van die evaluering is om te bepaal of enige van die faktore, soos beskryf in die operasionele raamwerk, teenwoordig is in die gesondheidsdepartement se benadering tot dienslewering. Die resultate van die ondersoek toon aan dat die meeste van die faktore, soos voorgestel in die operasionele raamwerk, wel teenwoordig is in die gesondheidsdepartement se benadering tot dienslewering. Gevolglik kan daar afgelei word dat die gesondheidsdepartement wel tot 'n mate, 'n benadering tot dienslewering volg, wat kan lei tot gemeenskapsbemagtiging.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Evidence-based policy making and results-based management aim to improve the performance of organisations, policies and programmes by enabling the accurate measurement of progress and results required for management and policy decisions. Within the notion of the developmental state, ‘Local Economic Development’ (LED) uses the development planning and implementation capacities of local government to accrue economic benefit to the locality with the aim of addressing development problems such as unemployment, poverty and market failure at the local level. While promoting the economic welfare of citizens is a critical objective of local government, the absence of specific indicators for LED measurement hampers their ability to successfully determine whether their efforts are achieving the expected results. The aim of this dissertation is to promote the systematic and committed evaluation of the results of LED interventions in South African local governments. As such, it provides guidelines for an outcomes-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system for LED in South Africa and presents a framework of generic outcome and output indicators for alternative LED interventions within the context of public sector monitoring and evaluation. The dissertation commences with an overview of the history of evaluation research, the conceptualisation of ‘Monitoring’ and ‘Evaluation’, and a categorisation of the alternative approaches to evaluation. It further explores best practices in instilling M&E in organisations, policies or programmes through guidelines for the development of M&E systems; designing and conducting evaluation studies; presenting findings; and developing indicators. This later provides a basis for exploring challenges in the evaluation of LED and proposing guidelines for an outcomes-based LED system. The policy framework of public sector M&E in South African government is explored before recommendations are made on the basis of good practice guidelines from the selected international systems and the World Bank. The concept ‘local economic development’ is contextualised and its manifestation in South African policies and practice explored to demarcate the roles of various role players, but local government in particular, in promoting LED. A review of LED-related literature produced a comprehensive list of potential LED interventions. These interventions were categorised into business development, locality improvement, community development, or improved governance interventions. Specific programmes and projects from practice were summarised within each intervention. For each of the identified LED interventions, generic outcome statements and objectives are formulated, followed by concrete contextual output and outcome indicators. The developed indicators are partly derived from existing indicators used to measure development results, but primarily developed from the implied end result captured in the objectives and outcome statements of each intervention. The LED indicator framework was reviewed by selected M&E and LED experts for final refinement and comments. The systematic evaluation of LED results based on well-designed evaluation studies that incorporate the strengths of the various approaches to M&E can enable the identification of the most promising, best return-on-investment LED interventions, as determined by the real, accurate results of these interventions. This can improve strategic policy and management decisions so as to maximise the limited available resources for LED and ensure the greatest positive economic and social development impact. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Bewysgedrewe beleidmaking en uitkomsgerigte bestuur is daarop ingestel om die prestasie van organisasies, beleide en programme te verbeter, deur dit moontlik te maak om die vordering en resultate soos benodig vir bestuur en beleidsbesluite akkuraat te meet. Binne die konteks van die ontwikkelingstaat, maak ‘Plaaslike Ekonomiese Ontwikkeling’ (LED) gebruik van die ontwikkelingsbeplanning en implementeringskapasiteit van plaaslike regerings om ekonomiese voordele vir die lokaliteit te bevorder en sodoende werkloosheid, armoede en markmislukking op plaaslike vlak aan te spreek. Alhoewel die bevordering van die ekonomiese welvaart van burgers ‘n kritiese doelwit van plaaslike regerings is, word plaaslike regerings se vermoë om met sekerheid te bepaal of die gewenste resultate deur aksies bereik is, deur die afwesigheid van spesifieke aanwysers vir die meting van LED belemmer. Die doel van hierdie proefskrif is om sistematiese en toegewyde evaluering van die resultate van LED-intervensies in Suid-Afrikaanse plaaslike regerings te bevorder. As sulks, verskaf dit riglyne vir ‘n uitkoms-gerigte stelsel vir die monitering en evaluering (M&E) van LED in Suid-Afrika, sowel as ‘n raamwerk van generiese uitkoms- en uitsetaanwysers vir alternatiewe LED-intervensies binne die konteks van openbare sektor monitering en evaluering. Die proefskrif begin met ‘n oorsig van evalueringsnavorsingsgeskiedenis, die konseptualisering van ‘Monitering’ en ‘Evaluering’ en kategorisering van verskillende benaderings tot evaluering. Dit verken beste praktyke vir die daarstelling van M&E in organisasies, beleide of programme, om daardeur spesifieke riglyne vir die ontwikkeling van M&E-stelsels, die ontwerp en implementering van evalueringstudies, die aanbieding van bevindinge en die ontwikkeling van aanwysers te spesifiseer. Hierdie dien as ‘n basis vir die latere verkenning van die uitdagings in die evaluering van LED en die daarstel van riglyne vir ‘n uitkoms-gerigte LED-stelsel. Die beleidsraamwerk vir M&E in die Suid- Afrikaanse openbare sektor word verken voor voorstelle ter verbetering gemaak word aan die hand van die beste praktyk riglyne van geselekteerde internasionele stelsels, asook die Wêreldbank. Die konsep ‘plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling’ word gekontekstualiseer en die voorkoms daarvan in Suid-Afrikaanse beleid en praktyk word verken om sodoende die rol van verskillende rolspelers, maar veral plaaslike regering, in die bevordering van LED te onderskei. ‘n Oorsig van LED-verwante literatuur lewer ‘n uitgebreide lys van potensiële LEDintervensies. Hierdie intervensies word gekategoriseer as besigheidsontwikkeling, lokaliteitsverbetering, gemeenskapsontwikkeling of verbeterde regeringswyse intervensies. Spesifieke programme en projekte uit die praktyk word as voorbeelde van elke intervensie aangehaal. Vir elk van die geïdentifiseerde LED-intervensies word generiese uitkoms- en uitsetstellings geformuleer, gevolg deur konkrete, gekontekstualiseerde uitkoms- en uitsetaanwysers. Die aanwysers is tot ‘n mate afgelei van bestaande aanwysers wat aangewend word om ontwikkelingsresultate te meet, maar is hoofsaaklik ontwikkel uit die geïmpliseerde eindresultaat soos vervat in die geformuleerde doelwitte en doelstellings vir elke intervensie. Die ontwikkelde aanwyserraamwerk wat ontwikkel is, is verder verfyn op grond van terugvoer vanaf geselekteerde deskundiges op die gebied van M&E en LED. Die sistematiese evaluering van LED-resultate gegrond op goed-ontwerpte evalueringstudies, inkorporeer die sterk punte van verskeie benaderings tot LED, bevorder die identifisering van die mees belowende en lonende LED-intervensies soos bepaal deur die werklike, akkurate resultate van hierdie intervensies. Hierdie kan ‘n bydrae tot verbeterde strategiese beleids- en bestuursbesluite lewer en sodoende die beperkte beskikbare hulpbronne vir LED maksimeer en die grootste positiewe ekonomiese en sosiale ontwikkelingsimpak verseker.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The central focus of this thesis is Youth Leadership Development programs in Africa. These programs are viewed within the context of the circumstances the youth currently face in their lives, and also the important role the youth in Africa have to play in the future of the continent. It is argued that leadership development holds the key to addressing the social, economic and political challenges Africa currently experiences. The Youth capacity building program in Uganda and the Joint Enrichment Project in South Africa were chosen as two case studies of Youth Leadership Development programs in Africa. The two case studies were benchmarked against the assessment tool that the International Youth Foundation (IYF) has created for making youth programs work. The above two programs differ greatly in their cultural, economic, social and political contexts. The aim of this study is to determine whether a single set of criteria for Youth Leadership Development programs in the African context is possible, despite the aforementioned differences inherent in the programs. To this end separate qualitative comparisons have been conducted on both the case studies. Shortcomings with regard to the assessment tool as well as the chosen youth programs were also identified. This study highlights that community development includes youth development, and therefore also the training of future leaders. Africa cannot rely on previous models of leadership development for today's youth. Further research in this field is needed, but this study confirms that Youth Leadership Development is vital in Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die sentrale fokus van die tesis is jeug leierskapsontwikkelingsprogramme in Afrika. Hierdie programme word benader binne die konteks van die omstandighede wat die jeug se lewens beinvloed, asook diebelangrike rol wat die jeug in Afrika speel in die toekoms van die kontinent. Die uitgangspunt is dat leierskapsontwikkeling die sleutel is tot die verbetering van sosiale, ekonomiese en politieke uitdagings in Afrika. Die "Youth capacity building" program van Uganda, en die "Joint Enrichment Project" van Suid-Afrika is twee gevallestudies wat gekies is as voorbeelde van jeug leierskapsontwikkelingsprogramme in Afrika. Hierdie twee gevallestudies is gemeet aan die "International Youth Foundation" (IYF) se riglyne vir die bepaling van suksesvolle jeugprogramme. Die twee gekose programme verskil grootliks ten opsigte van die kulturele, ekonomiese, sosiale en politieke konteks waarbinne hulle plaasvind. Die doel van hierdie studie is om die moontlikheid te bepaal van 'n enkele stel kriteria vir jeug leierskapsontwikkelingsprogramme binne die Afrika konteks. Vir hierdie doel is afsonderlike kwalitatiewe vergelykings getref tussen die gevallestudies en die bepaalde riglyne van die IYF. Verder is tekortkominge van beide die riglyne asook die jeugprogramme bepaal. Volgens hierdie studie vonn jeugontwikkeling 'n integrale deel van gemeenskapsontwikkeling, en daarom behels gemeenskapsontwikkeling ook die opleiding van toekomstige leiers. Daar kan nie op vorige modelle van leierskapsontwikkeling gesteun word vir die huidige jeug in Afrika nie. Daar is verdere navorsing in hierdie rigting nodig, maar hierdie studie bevestig dat jeugleierskapsontwikkeling in Afrika van kardinale belang is.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / One of the problems with development planning is a lack of community participation. This is due to the top-down approach that dominates development planning. To improve chances of sustainable development there is a need to shift from a top-down approach towards a bottom-up approach. The bottom-up approach promotes people-centred development. People-centred development focuses on people and enhances their capacity to influence the direction and implementation of the development process. Communities can only influence the development process through their participation. International bodies such as the United Nations and the World Bank support the concept of community participation in development planning. The South African policy framework also provides for community participation. The change agents should utilise this opportunity by sharing knowledge and by learning from the indigenous knowledge of the community. This knowledge exchange between the community and the change agents creates a platform for social learning, capacity building and empowerment. It is through this platform that sustainable development could be achieved. This kind of development process accommodates the building blocks of development. This study examines the level of community participation in a housing development project at the Boystown informal settlement. It was found that there is a lack of community participation in this project and that the project could be a success if there is a higher level of participation by the beneficiaries.

Thesis (MPA (School of Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / This thesis acknowledges the extent to which the South African society has been polarised by the policies and practices resulting from Apartheid. The safeguarding of rights, equal access to and the guarantee of service delivery to all South African citizens became one of the cornerstones of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) and one of the vehicles of change and redress. The legislative framework created guides the manner in which the three spheres of government achieve these objectives as one in which they work in a cooperative manner to secure its developmental objectives as captured by the United Nations in the Millennium Development Goals. The growth and development strategies, for which the three spheres of government are responsible, are identified, outlined and analysed to demonstrate the common developmental thread of the three spheres of government. A case is built for the use of the Human Development Index (HDI) as one of indices that could be used as a means of assessing human development. It is further described as an effective methodology in determining the developmental level of people. This methodology is used as an illumining tool to provide support for the provisional comparative analysis of the growth and development strategies of the three spheres of government on the City of Cape Town and the alignment of these strategies to the MDG. The writer will calculate the HDI of the inhabitants of the City of Cape Town and compare these to the provincial and national HDI. The results and findings will be analysed and recommendations and conclusions will follow. The calculations and provisional tentative findings of the HDI of the three spheres of government are provided in Appendix A. Interrelatedness of strategies and deliberate cascading of objectives will be emphasised in terms of the benefit of directive focusing of energies for all three spheres of government. The writer will demonstrate the degree to which these strategies have been deliberately integrated and jointly coordinated by the three spheres of government. The difficulty experienced in accessing adequate data sets has emphasised the need for all three spheres of government to prioritise the coordinated collection, compilation and making data available to ensure that the policy options that are chosen are evidence based and outcomes focussed. This is a significant concern since UN based funding is dependant on well-documented and researched policy options. Findings and recommendations with respect to the comparative analysis are presented in the final chapter with recommendations for future study.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / The objective of this thesis was to investigate the state of individual philanthropy in South Africa in the post–apartheid, post–1994 transformative period of this country, and to explore and try to understand this practice within the wider context of trends in contemporary global philanthropy. The germ for this thesis came from a recognition that individual philanthropy on a global level is a burgeoning phenomenon with an increasingly important impact, and that this type of giving could also be a powerful resource for South Africa as this new democracy begins to tackle its social and economic problems. This study was informed by primary and secondary data. I used a research strategy and methodology that entailed in-depth interviews with six prominent South African businesspeople who have each given generously from their own resources to address the country‘s major problems: poverty and inequality, capacity-building and jobs creation, education, the HIV-AIDs pandemic, and other poverty-related ills. The results of my research furnished new insights into the practice of individual philanthropy and confirmed that this practice happens in a unique context: the cultural and historical environment within which people‘s lives unfold is the key influence and impetus that informs their giving. While learning about global strategies is important for understanding how the development discourse is developing, these external strategies do not provide the template for South African philanthropy. In South Africa, individuals from diverse backgrounds are independently practicing philanthropy by developing their own unique set of strategies based on their life experience, rather than pursuing strategies that were reached through collaborative dialogue and a mutually agreed-upon approach. Each context is unique and these individuals have developed their own strategies for giving that make sense and work for them. This research is important as South Africa searches for solutions to its pressing problems because it adds to the body of knowledge that could be used to formulate policy and strategic choices for the future of this country. The development discourse increasingly includes individual philanthropy as an integral part of the ―mix‖ of solutions being pursued to eradicate poverty and other social ills; the further development of individual philanthropy in South Africa to become more strategic and transformative is critical. This development is the next step in future research.