South African Universities Show Resilience in Philanthropy Despite Widening Digital and Structural Divides
The 2023 academic year marked a milestone for the ten participating universities, which collectively raised a record R2.4 billion in philanthropic income.
The South African Institute for Advancement has released the findings of its latest Annual Survey of Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE) reports, revealing a landscape of significant growth and persistent challenges for the country’s higher education sector.
Covering the 2023 and 2024 academic years, the reports highlight a robust recovery in philanthropic support following the COVID-19 pandemic, alongside a stark warning regarding the structural inequalities between historically advantaged and disadvantaged institutions.
The 2023 academic year marked a milestone for the ten participating universities, which collectively raised a record R2.4 billion in philanthropic income.
This figure represents a staggering increase from the R659 million recorded at the survey’s inception in 2013. While 2024 saw a slight consolidation to R2.32 billion, the overall trend remains overwhelmingly positive, with total Advancement income, including funding from Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), reaching R2.7 billion in 2024.
Key Findings
Donor Growth - The number of donors reached 9,106 in 2023, more than double the 2013 baseline of 4,355.
Geographic Shifts - While South African sources remain critical, international private funding continues to play a vital role, particularly for research and infrastructure.
Institutional Performance - The highest amount received by a single institution in 2024 was R856 million, up from R783 million in 2023.
Dr Michael Cosser, author of the reports, explained that despite the overall increase in funding, the reports underscore a troubling digital divide that risks further marginalising historically disadvantaged institutions (HDIs).
“While the digital revolution is firmly underway, HDIs often struggle to play catch-up in a society increasingly driven by technology. The huge disparities in philanthropic income between historically advantaged universities and their disadvantaged counterparts therefore remain a core concern.
“The challenge ahead lies in galvanising fundraising activities at HDIs and capacitating them to establish fully-fledged Advancement Offices that can collect accurate data and attract significant private investment,” he said.
The reports demonstrate a clear correlation between university investment in Advancement (staffing and expenditure) and the level of philanthropic income secured.
Participating universities that have professionalised their fundraising and alumni relations functions have seen measurable returns on investment, even in a volatile economic climate.
As the ASPIHE enters its second decade of reporting, Inyathelo remains committed to fostering a culture of philanthropy in South African higher education. The survey continues to serve as a vital tool for benchmarking, providing universities with the data needed to refine their strategies and ensure long-term financial sustainability.
Inyathelo Acting Executive Director, Feryal Domingo, complimented the participating universities on their commendable efforts in data collection.
“We will increase our efforts to see more universities participate in this research so we can reflect more accurately and holistically on the true state of the philanthropic landscape. Accurate data collection is not merely an administrative exercise - it is a strategic necessity for a more equitable and resilient higher education system.
“The focus now must be on ensuring that the entire sector can benefit from these insights to bridge the gaps that still divide our institutions,” said Domingo.
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