Learning Brief – Data-informed arguments for investment in children
In 2024, analysis of routine data revealed that some of South Africa’s gains in child development and wellbeing are stalling, and may be starting to reverse. Young children are now more likely to live in poverty, suffer from food insecurity and malnutrition, and die before their fifth birthday than they were before the Covid-19 pandemic. […]
Applications for zero-rating are now open! And we’re here to help.
Zero-rating can make your content and services more accessible to those who need them most. We are excited to share fantastic news that could significantly enhance your reach and impact. On 3 May 2024, the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) gazetted new regulations outlining the process that public benefit organisations (PBOs) must follow […]
Protecting yourself from payment fraud
Looking to safeguard your NGO against payment fraud in South Africa? Our comprehensive guide is tailored specifically for NGOs, offering actionable strategies to mitigate electronic funds transfer (EFT) fraud risks. From establishing robust authorisation protocols to enhancing IT controls, we cover it all. Dive into essential topics like staff vetting, phishing awareness, and the nuances […]
South Africa’s Digital Landscape: Is the issue of zero-rating on the to-do list of political parties contesting this year’s elections?
This year we need bold public policies to break cycles of intergenerational poverty and grow our economy. But a review of 13 political party manifestos shows politicians still lack the inspiration to do this. Let’s look at the issue of zero-rating: while expanding fast internet access to schools and reducing the cost of data are […]
Op-ed: Why an obligation to provide South Africans with free public benefit content has stalled
An obligation placed on South Africa’s biggest mobile network operators (MNOs) to start providing free access to content from public benefit organisations (PBO) has stalled because discussions with the communications regulator are yet to be finalised. This obligation was created following last year’s successful spectrum auction, where Telkom, Vodacom, MTN, Rain, Cell C and Liquid […]
eNCA Interview: Zero-rating – Making information accessible to everyone
In a recent discussion on eNCA, DGMT CEO David Harrison laid out a vision of connectivity and opportunity for South Africa. He made it clear: the door is open for mobile network operators (MNOs) to join DGMT’s Social Innovation Register and begin zero-rating public benefit organisations (PBOs). Zero-rating isn’t just about free data—it’s a […]
Learning Brief – Blended learning: When partnerships spark innovation
This learning brief explores how partnerships between government, civil society and communities led to innovations aimed at tackling a number of challenges impacting quintile 1–3 schools in South Africa, serving some of the country’s poorest children. To read this learning brief, download a PDF here or read it magazine-style on ISSUU here. […]
Communications tools & active citizenry
The Learning Lunch podcast explores ideas, approaches and social innovations – creating opportunity for non-profit organisations’ teams to discover what others are learning and space to reflect on what these insights might mean for their own strategy and programme implementation. Download takeaway instructions Many civil society organisations (CSOs) have placed promoting active citizenry at the […]
Zero rating: A bridge across the digital divide
The Learning Lunch podcast explores ideas, approaches and social innovations – creating opportunity for non-profit organisations’ teams to discover what others are learning and space to reflect on what these insights might mean for their own strategy and programme implementation. Download takeaway instructions Mobile technology has the potential to transcend structural divides and enhance access […]
Learning Brief – Building coalitions: The power of synergy
Apartheid’s legacy continues to divide us in deep and undeniable ways, but civil society coalitions across class, race and economic sectors can inspire new ways of accelerating change. This learning brief explores communications and advocacy campaigns that demonstrate the power of coalitions to effect transformation. It includes case studies of Messages for Mothers (M4M), Youth […]
