Late October brought together the country’s leading philanthropic minds under the theme “Stronger Together – Philanthropy in a Changing World”, with this year’s IPASA Annual Symposium hosted amidst the vineyards of Asara Wine Estate in Stellenbosch. Over two vibrant days, Linda, Kristin and Thuli joined peers from across South Africa’s philanthropy ecosystem for dialogue, learning, and connection – all set against the warm backdrop of spring sunshine, good coffee, and panoramic mountain views.
A Gathering of Ideas and Purpose
The symposium opened with Yoliswa Msweli’s powerful keynote, “Reckoning with the Past, Resetting the Future”, which challenged funders to confront structural inequality and reimagine philanthropy as a force for justice and transformation. The tone was set: honest, reflective, and forward-looking.
From there, conversations flowed through sessions on building a more resilient, responsive philanthropy ecosystem, preparing for future crises, and strengthening collaboration across themes like education, youth employment, climate resilience, and social justice. The energy in the breakout rooms was unmistakable – funders rolling up their sleeves to share lessons, spark partnerships, and explore what “stronger together” really means in practice.
Connections, Conversations and Cartoons
As always, the networking cocktail at sunset proved a highlight. Between laughter, lively debate, and impromptu catch-ups, new relationships were forged and old ones rekindled. A touch of creativity came courtesy of the symposium’s resident cartoonist, Bethuel Mangena, whose illustrations captured the spirit of collaboration and reflection running through the event.
Day two delved into the futures of philanthropy, with thought-provoking inputs from Wits School of Governance scholars and Rapelang Rabana’s insights on how audacity, technology, and innovation can accelerate progress. The sessions on next-generation philanthropy and funding innovation in education were especially energising, reminding delegates that the future is not something to predict but to co-create.
Closing on Courage and Care
The symposium closed on a poetic and provocative note with Ashanti Kunene’s reflection, “Philanthropy’s Legacy and Courage to Compound our Care.” It left attendees with a resonant message: our legacy will not be what we preserved, but what we made possible.
For Linda, Kristin and Thuli, the symposium was more than a conference – it was a moment to pause, reconnect and be inspired by the collective energy shaping South African philanthropy today.
As we return from Stellenbosch, we carry forward renewed purpose, to keep asking the beautiful questions, and to collaborate generously.
