Investigating South African NPOs, NGOs and FBOs from a missional diaconal perspective

Abstract

Non-Profit Organisations, Non-Governmental Organisations and Faith-Based Organisations play a crucial role in the development and transformation of human society. As opposed to an enterprise seeking to make a profit, nonprofit organisations are voluntary and seek to advance the livelihoods of others without making a profit. The work done by nonprofit organisations is commended by most communities they serve, however, with the ever-rising social and economic challenges in various communities, the sustainability of nonprofit organisations comes into question as they might find themselves overburdened soon. Unequivocally, a new modus operandi will need to be adopted.

To respond to the threat, a contextualised empirical study of three nonprofit organisations (Swaragano NPO, Tshwane Leadership Foundation and The Salvation Army) using the qualitative method and Osmer’s four core tasks approach examines what is happening and why it is happening, provides various ways to respond to the identified issue at hand, and lastly determines what ought to happen.

As a result, the findings in this dissertation are that all three organisations are faced with financial constraints, high demand for services, and socio-economic barriers in the communities they serve. Withstanding this, the remedial intervention proposed is a theological point of departure inspired by the Christian theological approach of missional diakonia, which is a framework that prides itself on the Christian principles of service, compassion, justice, and community transformation. By adopting and integrating a missional diaconal framework, this dissertation suggests that the three organisations along with other nonprofit organisations which may find themselves in a similar predicament can neutralise the threats and continue to contribute to societal transformation.