The Power of Collaboration in South Africa’s NGO Sector: A Perspective from Julia Sotirianakos

South Africa’s non-governmental organisation (NGO) sector is a vast and intricate landscape, teeming with passionate individuals and groups dedicated to making a difference. Yet, according to Julia Sotirianakos, a prominent figure in the sector, this landscape is also one of fragmentation and missed opportunities.

In her recent podcast conversation on the Future of CSI with Simphiwe Mtetwa, Sotirianakos highlighted a pressing issue within the NGO community: the proliferation of small, often redundant organisations that, while well-intentioned, may inadvertently dilute the overall impact of the sector. She observed that the country is saturated with NGOs, many of which seem to be duplicating efforts rather than complementing them. A poignant example she provided was of multiple soup kitchens emerging in the same area, each operating independently of the others.

Sotirianakos’ perspective is clear—this disjointed approach, which she likens to a ‘spray and pray’ strategy, is far less effective than it could be. If these efforts were consolidated into a unified alliance, she argues, the impact on vulnerable communities could be exponentially greater.

What is particularly insightful about Sotirianakos’ observations is her recognition that size and structure do not necessarily equate to effectiveness. She points out that while larger NGOs with robust governance and leadership may seem like the natural leaders in the sector, it is often the smaller, grassroots organisations—those born from personal experiences and tragedies—that bring about the most meaningful change. These are the organisations founded by individuals like a bereaved mother who has lost a child to cancer, driven by a deep, personal commitment to making a difference.

However, Sotirianakos also highlights the challenges that arise when these well-meaning individuals choose to establish new NGOs instead of aligning with existing ones. The result is a fragmented landscape where countless small organisations compete for the same donor funds, creating unnecessary competition and diluting the overall impact. Donors, overwhelmed by the sheer number of organisations, may struggle to distinguish between them, often viewing them as ‘just another soup kitchen’ or ‘another cancer charity.’

The solution, Sotirianakos suggests, lies in collaboration rather than competition. She urges those motivated by personal loss or passion to consider joining forces with existing organisations that share their mission, rather than starting anew. By doing so, they can contribute to something that is already making strides, rather than inadvertently replicating efforts.

Sotirianakos also touches on the healing power of channelling grief into action, noting that many foundations are born out of personal loss. However, she cautions that starting a new foundation may not always be the best course of action. Instead, she advocates for the value of joining established charities, where personal experiences can enhance and strengthen existing efforts. She recounts the story of a chairman who, after losing a child to leukaemia, chose to join her foundation. His involvement not only aided his healing process but also added tremendous value to the organisation. Had he started his own charity, she suggests, the collective impact would have been diminished.

At the heart of Sotirianakos’ message is a call to set egos aside. The NGO sector, she emphasises, should not be about individual recognition or personal legacy. It should be about the collective good, about working together to maximise the impact of every effort. When egos are left at the door and collaboration takes centre stage, the potential to make a real difference is boundless.

In a sector where passion and purpose run high, Sotirianakos’ call for collaboration is both timely and necessary. By recognising the power of unity and the strength that comes from working together, South Africa’s NGOs have the potential to effect profound and lasting change in the lives of those they seek to serve.