Significant changes have occurred in the South African non-profit sector over the last 14 years. The years following 1994 saw an exodus of NGO talent to government: in fact the acronym NGO was laughingly explained as “Next Government Official”.
While the desire for a stable source of income after years of tenuous existence - a desire which influenced the move for many - this unfortunately resulted in a wealth of knowledge and institutional memory leaving the non-profit sector.
The New Reality for South African NGOs
South African NGOs need to be aware and take cognisance of the fact that skills shortages and high turnover have become a global phenomenon. Skills are easily transferable across international boundaries and employees have an abundance of choice in an age where access to information is just a broadband connection away.
Fifteen years ago, an idea for an agency specialising in placements within the NGO sector was born from a need to ensure that rigorous recruitment processes are followed in appointing appropriate people for posts within this dynamic and crucial sector.
Responding to this growing need, Action Appointments was born.
By Frank Julie: Assisting people in their development is one of the primary tasks of a leader and manager in a NPO. In fact, it is the task. To build the capacity of staff and volunteers ensures the perpetuation or reproduction of the organization, the final test of leadership! It ensures that the vision and mission can be taken forward when the leader has to move on.