Wealthy South Africans are second only to North Americans when it comes to generosity, according to a recent report on global giving. It also concludes that South African women are more likely to support good causes than men The Global Giving: The Culture of Philanthropy report is based on a 2010 study of millionaires in 20 countries.
Labelling them “the gogivers”, it measures both the money and time they give to charities. “A new breed of wealthy philanthropists is emerging, who are more socially aware and motivated to give back to the communities they came from” says Emma Turner, director of client philanthropy at Barclays Wealth, which released the report in early December. “These givers are increasingly engaging in ‘go-giving’, as they seek not just to support charities with monetary donations, but also by providing their time and expertise to benefit causes.”
Thirty-seven percent of wealthy donors in South Africa rated giving as one of their top three spending priorities, against 41% in the United States. They were followed by Saudi Arabia (32%) and Ireland (30%). South Africa’s high ranking is attributed to the rejuvenation of Ubuntu since the end of apartheid, particularly among newly wealthy black business people.
The report says “Ubuntu broadly means to care about one’s fellow human beings and is based on generosity and altruism. “All kinds of legislation was passed to fast-track black participation in the economy. When that happened, things like Ubuntu were promoted by business people and intellectuals and as one of the tenets of business.”
Inequality between rich and poor is identified as the second driving force behind philanthropy. “As is the case in India, the wealthy in South Africa feel compelled to do something to help bridge the divide in society through philanthropy.” Local go-givers are less likely to devote time to good causes, however.
South Africa ranked fourth in terms of volunteering, after Ireland, India and the US. Men are more active philanthropists in developed countries, but in emerging countries women take the lead. The latter include South Africa and countries in South America and the Middle East. “Here traditional values still prevail as women take on the role of homemaker and carer,” the report says.