Survival strategies of non-novernmental nrganisations (NGOs) since the 2008 financial crisis : the case of People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA), South Africa

Abstract: Since the 2008 financial crisis, Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) have faced tremendous challenges in financing development projects. The NGO sector depends on funds from the government and donors both locally and internationally in order to be able to implement much needed development projects. Although the NGO sector has always faced challenges in securing enough funds for developmental purposes, the effects of the financial crisis made things worse as corporate and government funds were reduced; and some international donors pulled out of long standing relationships attributed to several reasons. This study investigated the survival strategies of the NGO sector in South Africa since the 2008 financial crisis using the People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) as a case study. This study used the Lewis Model of NGO management as a model to understand the different management challenges facing NGOs and POWA post the crisis. The methodological design followed in this study is the qualitative approach to research. It made use of in-depth interviews and documentary analysis to collect data which was then analysed thematically. The findings of this study suggest that, the financial crisis that started in 2008 has affected POWA‟s activities; it caused them to reduce the amount of community work offered, increased workload and heightened monitoring and evaluation of projects. It has affected their internal structure and processes as it led to the closure of certain departments, loss of employment, salary cuts and the cancellation of staff pension funds. The legislations and policies governing NGOs in South Africa were perceived as favourable but participants felt that government lacks the political will and commitment to implement agreed policies. The crisis affected the organisation‟s relationships with its different stakeholders through collaboration, increased confrontation and challenges with donors. Finally, different survival strategies were developed by the organisation such as cutting costs, open communication, and different fundraising activities which enabled them to mitigate the effect of the crisis and remain operational.M.A. (Development Studies