The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) at Wits Business School today hosted a public lecture by Binaifer Nowrojee, president of the Open Society Foundations, the world’s largest funder of independent groups working for justice, human rights, and democratic governance. 

The much-anticipated lecture focused on the changing role of philanthropy in a shifting African and global landscape which has witnessed the recent wholesale withdrawal of funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). 

The situation has forced the philanthropic sector to confront the question: can it continue to operate within the confines of a broken system, or can it be a catalyst for an entirely new one? If so, we need a different kind of global philanthropy, says Nowrojee, one of increased self-reliance, local knowledge, intergenerational giving, and a greater emphasis on global partnerships and solidarity.

“We have a shared humanity with a shared interest in the future of this planet, and it is not just about money. What we now need is solidarity and imagination on a global scale.”
 

Nowrojee’s lecture opened the door for a robust and engaging panel discussion that included eminent local thought leaders Mrs Graça Machel, founder and chair of the Graça Machel Trust and Dr Naledi Pandor, chairman of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, moderated by global philanthropy consultant Nicolette Naylor. 

Key points that emerged included the need for longer-term funding, less focus on projects and greater focus on programmes and movements, building institutional capacity in the global south, and a fundamental shift in the traditional relationship between donor and recipient.

The lecture was attended by over 250 in-person guests and 360 online attendees, along with senior Wits and WBS leadership, including Wits Chancellor Dr Judy Dlamini and Vice Chancellor Professor Zeblon Vilakazi.

In his welcome, Professor Vilakazi emphasised the urgent need for new pathways for global collaboration and localised solutions in the face of changing funding mechanisms. Head of WBS Professor Maurice Radebe noted the conversation has happened at a pivotal time as the country gears up for the G20 Summit. 

“The recent and continuing developments around government funding of local and international programmes have challenged the role of philanthropy in sustainable social justice in the Global South. These developments and other pressing global events have laid the foundation for the November 2025 G20 Summit under the theme ‘Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability’,” said Prof Radebe.

As the president the Open Society Foundations and former human rights lawyer, Binaifer Nowrojee has a grounded understanding of how to navigate politically sensitive and ever-changing environments to create significant impact.  She is a leader whose career has influenced efforts to advance social justice and equality across Africa and Asia over the last three decades.

Ends.

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For more information or interviews, please contact: 

Lethumusa Kulube - +27-74-713-5983 – lethumusa@stractiv8.com

Media Liaison for Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment

Alison Gaylard - +27-84-726-7514 – alison.gaylard@wits.ac.za

Communications Officer for Wits Business School 

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About the Open Society Foundations

The Open Society Foundations (OSF) are the world’s largest private funders of independent groups working for rights, equity, and justice, who champion the search for bold, democratic solutions to our urgent, common challenges that advance rights, equity, and justice. 

OSF’s approach seeks to counter the narrow pursuit of political self-interest and short-term opportunism in pursuit of a sustainable future for people and planet that leaves no one behind.

For more information, please visit www.opensocietyfoundations.org.

About the Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment

The Centre on African Philanthropy and Social Investment (CAPSI) is the first centre of its kind dedicated to the academic development of philanthropy on the African continent, and works to promote social change by building a culture of effective giving. The Centre is a source of knowledge generation, network partnerships, and a centre for innovation and community engagement on philanthropy, corporate social and civic responsibility.

Its mission is to build a new generation of African experts, researchers and academics through academic programmes, short courses, research and publications, pan-African convenings and focused projects.

For more information, please visit www.capsi.co.za.

About Wits Business School

Wits Business School (WBS) is the graduate school of business administration of the University of the Witwatersrand, a renowned research institution based in Johannesburg, the financial heart of southern Africa. Founded in 1968, WBS is one of the oldest and most respected business schools in Africa, which has spearheaded new areas of study to take the next generation of African business leaders into the future. 

The enduring ‘Wits’ brand, recognised internationally, continues to symbolise academic rigour, research excellence and thought leadership on the African continent.

For more information, please visit www.wbs.ac.za.