Why Philanthropy Must Stop Being Charity
Loading player...
Every learner deserves a future, not just a classroom. Fuel South Africa’s future innovators and support Siyafunda today: https://www.siyafundaef.org.za/
Felix Spies, founder of Siyafunda Education Foundation, joins John Watson to unpack how philanthropy in South Africa can evolve from charity handouts to sustainable wealth creation.
Felix shares how he’s bridging the gap between corporate boardrooms and rural classrooms - from building trust-based partnerships to transforming education in the Northern Cape.
Together, they explore what real impact looks like, why short-term “show and go” projects fail, and how the five T’s - Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony, and Ties - can change how companies and individuals serve communities.
If you’ve ever wondered how to connect purpose, profit, and people - this conversation will challenge how you think about giving, leadership, and being in your right place.
Connect with Felix Spies here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixspies/
Felix Spies, founder of Siyafunda Education Foundation, joins John Watson to unpack how philanthropy in South Africa can evolve from charity handouts to sustainable wealth creation.
Felix shares how he’s bridging the gap between corporate boardrooms and rural classrooms - from building trust-based partnerships to transforming education in the Northern Cape.
Together, they explore what real impact looks like, why short-term “show and go” projects fail, and how the five T’s - Time, Talent, Treasure, Testimony, and Ties - can change how companies and individuals serve communities.
If you’ve ever wondered how to connect purpose, profit, and people - this conversation will challenge how you think about giving, leadership, and being in your right place.
Connect with Felix Spies here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/felixspies/
Chapters
- 00:00 Preview and Introduction
- 01:31 The real transformation behind rural infrastructure
- 04:44 Why “show and go” philanthropy fails
- 08:01 Service over spectacle: Ending entitlement culture
- 09:59 Common mistakes corporates make
- 13:17 The 5 T’s of meaningful giving
- 16:52 Why most NPOs struggle with money
- 20:30 Corporates miss the reality of life in communities
- 23:52 Philanthropy’s trust crisis in South Africa
- 27:58 How to “friend-raise” before you fundraise
- 30:35 From poverty alleviation to wealth creation
- 33:36 Tech, data & the future of rural learning
- 37:05 Finding his right place in the Northern Cape
- 39:42 Balancing boardrooms and red dust roads
- 46:33 How The Lekker Network helped Felix reconnect
