Enterprise Development in a COVID-19 impacted South Africa - a non-profit view.
Lizelle Coombs
Championing Sustainable Development | Leading Angels Resource Centres & ARC Renewable Energy | Focusing on Profit for Good by Investing in Early-Stage IPP Developments
Covid-19 have done a lot of marketing for us, for free. Let me explain.
We always believed that the language of funders and donors are embedded in trendy marketing campaigns, heart wrenching graphics and black-tie fundraisers and as non-profit organisations we have tirelessly gushed them out over the years, desperate for some of the crumbs from the plated dinners to fall into the hands of the communities we serve so passionately.
CV-19 highlighted the inequality of our society and the desperate need of the rural communities in a way we never could. Finally a golden moment, a spotlight on the opportunity to make long-term changes. And what happens? We dish out food parcels, pamphlets and encourage sewing co-ops to manufacture masks and sanitizer care packs. Who is really going to benefit from this short term plaster? Only the short term problems.
Together we can do so much more. We can create the dignity of food security and phase out the need for food parcels. We can create processing spaces and small-scale farmers with local value chains. We can create vibrant and sustainable local economies in the small towns and villages we love and have served for so many years.
Together we can implement rural development programmes that will make massive impact in the communities.
Now is the time to invest in rural development.
Are you with us?
LIZELLE COOMBS
Founder and Group CEO - Angels Resource Centres