Who owns the Code?
Who owns the code?
No single organisation or group 'owns' The Independent Code of Governance for Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa as it was developed collectively by the non-profit sector and in consultation with the civil society organisations and other stakeholders.
The Code is effectively 'owned' by the non-profit sector in South Africa! However, the Working Group that was elected and mandated to draft the Code, holds the copyright.
The Independent Code of Governance for Non-Profit Organisations in South Africa is entirely voluntary, supportive, and self-imposed. It is not subject to official oversight, or enforced by law, nor is it enforced by the threat of penalties or sanctions.
The purpose of The Independent Code is to encourage and empower, rather than to regulate, sanction or impose. The Independent Code seeks to promote a culture of ‘best governance practice’, and provide guidance, information, and resources with a view to:
- improving governance standards and practice amongst NPOs;
- strengthening governance capacity of NPOs, and their Boards; and
- encouraging public confidence in, and support for, the non-profit sector.
Working Group members:
- Ms Shelagh Gastrow (Executive Director at Inyathelo)
- Mr Chris Mkhize (CEO of the Uthungulu Community Foundation)
- Ms Colleen du Toit (Executive Director of CAF-SA)
- Mr Jimmy Gotyana (President of SANGOCO)
- Mr Rajesh Latchman (National Co-ordinator, National Welfare, Social Service and Development Forum)
- Mr Richard Rosenthal (Lawyer specialising in public benefit, development, and human rights law )
