Cross-sector collaboration between social enterprises and their external funders in a resource constraint environment

Abstract

With high levels of inequality, poverty and unemployment in South Africa, governments and the private sector cannot resolve this alone. There is a requirement for third sector entities like social enterprises that will address the needs of the overlooked individuals and striving to make an impact. It has been proven by literature that the third sector plays a critical role in society, however one of the challenges in Africa is the lack of recognition which then restricts them from access resources to scale their mission and impact. Engaging in cross-sector collaboration enables these organisations to move away from donor relationship to more sustainable models. Although there has been extensive research on the area of crosssector collaboration, it is less understood in the South African context particularly. Hence the need for this study, which sought to gain an in-depth understanding of how social enterprises guard against funder's demands and balancing their hybridity.