How good are South Africans at giving?

Despite challenging economic circumstances, the South Africa Giving 2017 report reveals that individuals in South Africa – particularly the younger generation – continue to give of their time and money to assist individuals and communities in need.

Detailing the different ways that people in South Africa donate and volunteer, this report covers how much money on average is donated by individuals, which causes people give to, how people like to give, as well as what motivates people to give.

Key findings of the report:

Our analysis provides these key findings for individual giving in South Africa:

• Around eight in ten people surveyed (81%) have given money in the past 12 months, either to a charity, to a church or religious organisation, or by sponsoring someone.
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Women in Parliament – how does SA rank?

By Laura Brothers

Around the world, women are closing the gender gap in areas such as health and education, but significant gender inequality still persists in politics. On average, women constitute only 23.5% of representatives in parliament around the world – but where do women hold the most seats?

We’ve worked with Ecard Shack to take a comparative look at women’s political empowerment around the world using all members of the G20.

Here’s a snippet of what we found:

• Mexico takes the lead for gender equality in parliament – 42% of women hold seats. Mexico has a history of encouraging the participation of women in politics and has impressive rates of participation in the federal Congress. The law now requires gender parity.
• South Africa ranks 2nd place out of the G20 members, with a huge 42% of seats in parliament going to women. 
• The UK comes in at 5th place, with women holding 32% of seats in parliament. In 2017 more than 200 women were elected – this was a record high for the country.
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Does every dog have its day?

We received this letter from Paula last week. Again it is an example of the incredible resolve South Africans have to make a difference.

Hi Camilla,

Happy Friday, I hope you are well. 

We are currently working on a fundraising campaign for The Underdog Project and we are looking for a couple of dog lovers to help us kick it off.

They are a Hout Bay community initiative that is committed to helping at-risk youth and shelter dogs.

They are desperately in need of help. Without the required funding, The Underdog Project will be forced to close their doors, depriving many hopeful dogs of the valuable human interaction that contributes to them being adopted and leaving many vulnerable young people without a safe place to go.

We would really appreciate it if you could please help us out by sharing our story and encouraging people to take part by:

1) Visit @the_underdog_project_ct and make a donation via the link in their bio
2) Post a pic of you and your underdog (two or four legged) and tell their story, and copy and paste this caption hashtag
3) Nominate two friends

All donations are hugely appreciated and every little bit counts. You can find more information here:
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THIS WEEK'S FAST FACT

World Leaders

Women in power: According to the Pew Research Centre, as at March 2017 there were 15 female world leaders in office. Historically 70 countries have ever had a female head of state or government. South Africa is included on this list; Dr Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri was South Africa‚s first female president. However she was not democratically elected, she served as acting president for 4 days in 2005 when the president and his deputy were out of the country. She was also chosen by cabinet to be head of state for the 14 hours between Mbeki‚s resignation and Motlanthe‚s taking of office.(Source: www.Eighty20.co.za)