General Purposes

About this grant

The nonprofit sector in South Africa played a central role in the struggle against apartheid and the creation of a new nonracial, democratic society. During the past decade of democracy, however, the sector has had difficulties adjusting to a role that requires cooperation and partnership, while maintaining it independence and ability to criticize. Harold Wolpe, a prominent activist and leading academic, was instrumental in South Africa’s battle to end apartheid. The Harold Wolpe Memorial Trust was established in his honor.Multiyear funding will enable the trust to host discussions on the critical issues facing South Africa as it transitions from apartheid to democracy; create an intellectual space for policymakers, academics, civil society activists and governmental officials to exchange ideas on key questions related to building democracy in South Africa and the role of civil society; and disseminate and publish discussions to ensure the participation of a wider and more diverse audience.The mission of the trust is to foster critical debate and discussion around issues and themes that promote social, economic and cultural development.