Sustainable challenges experienced by non-profit social welfare service organisations in Tswane

Abstract

NPOs are constantly concerned about their ability to continue implementing their programmes in a sustainable manner. They have to unremittingly address various challenges to continue to benefit the vulnerable members of society. In view of this, I designed a research project aimed at exploring the challenges experienced regarding the sustainability of non-profit organisations rendering welfare services in Tshwane and suggestions to improve sustainability from a qualitative research approach and a multiple case study methodology, as well as an exploratory, descriptive and contextual research design. The research project was carried out in Tshwane, while following the ethical standards of informed consent, anonymity and confidentiality in the context of information management. Face-to-face and virtual Interviews were used as a data collection method. Semi-structured interviews were used as a data collection tool. A purposively selected sample of 16 directors, social work supervisors, and social workers employed by NPOs providing welfare services in this province was drawn. The data was thematically analysed. Findings emphasised the importance of training and leadership development as essential for equipping staff and management with the necessary competencies in governance, financial planning and programme evaluation, but also highlighted the obstacles such as fundraising, limited financial and management expertise, limited institutional capacity, low levels of self-sustainability, budgeting, strategic planning and that threaten the long-term viability of non-profit organisations. This study aims to contribute to knowledge of the challenges experienced by NPOs regarding sustainability and to proffer suggestions that can be utilised in skills development and the training of directors, supervisors, and social workers to enhance the sustainability of organisations rendering welfare services.