Sustainable development programmes by non-governmental organisations in the Sport-for-Development Sector in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the sport-for-development field have delivered a variety of programmes in the  Johannesburg metropole. This study addressed key issues about sustainability at three NGO case studies funded by the Laureus Sport for  Good Foundation, a sport-for-development organisation that offers humanitarian programmes to impoverished communities in Johannesburg, South Africa. The research was grounded on theory of change as well as resource-dependency and systems theories. The  heories were comparatively applied to analyse practical scenarios in the NGOs' case studies. Qualitative research methods as well as inductive and deductive data were used to address the research objectives and the case studies of the NGOs. Document analysis and  virtual interviews were also conducted with decision-makers and programme instructors to collect appropriate data. The findings  revealed that diverse resources are required to ensure sustainability of the NGOs, along with fundraising techniques. Funding provided  by external stakeholders is not guaranteed as it is based on financial capacity. Due to global financial and social constraints (e.g.,  COVID-19 pandemic), it has become evident that stakeholders can retract or reduce funding provided to NGOs. NGOs face sustainability  challenges, based on financial diversification, programme delivery and governance issues. Financial constraints, remuneration of  personnel, access to resources and programme implementation all negatively impacted on the sustainability of development  programmes in this study. In view of such challenges, sustainability is a critical issue that NGOs must include in their strategic planning.