New Code of Governance for Non-profits in South Africa - SANGONeT, 7 March 2012

A proposed code of governance for non-profit organisations (NPOs) in South Africa has been released for public comment. The draft Independent Code of Good Governance for Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa aims to encourage best governance practice and was initiated by a group of NPOs at a Civil Society Consultative Forum meeting held in August 2010. They recognised the need for South African civil society to formulate and adopt its own distinct code rather than be regulated by government or corporate sector codes.

The Working Group mandated to develop a draft code has already consulted hundreds of NPOs across the country and individuals and organisations now have until the end of April 2012 to submit their final suggestions and comments. Various provincial workshops are also planned where the code will be further debated.

It is intended that the process should culminate in the formal adoption of the proposed new independent code by the end of July 2012.

The Working Group consists of Chris Mkhize, Chief Executive Officer, Uthungulu Community Foundation; Shelagh Gastrow, Executive Director, The South African Institute of Advancement: Inyathelo; Colleen du Toit, Chief Executive Officer, Charities Aid Foundation Southern Africa; Jimmy Gotyana, President, SANGOCO; and as legal adviser, Richard Rosenthal of Richard Rosenthal Attorneys.

The 18-page draft document proposes eight particular ‘values’ which are of special relevance and concern to the NPO sector, as well as six key leadership principles, and five statutory legal and fiscal principles.

Click here to read or download a copy of the initial draft of the proposed Independent Code of Governance for Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa.

Click here to read the official media release in support of the release of the draft code.

To submit your comments in response to the draft document and/or for more information about the planned provincial workshops, please contact Janine Ogle on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or Tel: 021 465 6981.