Quick Link: Overview Registration Agenda Speakers Hotel AGAG Fellow
Session Descriptions
Please note the following session descriptions are subject to change and / or update.
From the networking cafe on Monday to the closing celebration on Wednesday, you can anticipate an interactive, engaging, informative, and fun experience! We have included ample time to network and learn about the amazing work of this diverse community of Africa grantmakers. “Footprints of Our Legacy” is a celebration of our collective legacies and we’ll mark this special occasion with rich discussions, good food, and of course, dancing!
Although we are calling the practitioners who will be leading the discussions “speakers,” don’t expect presentations but conversations with opportunities to join. We have included some longer breaks to allow more time for informal discussions. You can also contribute to the agenda by signing up to give a 10-minute talk on a topic of your choice during the Open Mic Soap Box sessions or to host a discussion during lunch.
Networking Cafe and Networking Breaks
When you attend a meeting nothing is more frustrating than not having time to talk to the people who are there! We have included morning Networking Cafes and afternoon Networking Breaks to give you opportunities for more conversations.
Opening Speaker - Footprints of Our Legacy
Fittingly, Ms. Sibongile Mkhabela will be the featured speaker for “Footsprints of Our Legacy.” She has played a key role in shaping local, national, and international organizations where her legacy has left footprints of significance, both small and large. During this opening session Ms. Mkhabela will share her reflections on her experiences and insights as a life-long social justice activist, social worker, civil society leader, philanthropist and visionary.
Featured Speaker: Ms. Sibongile Mkhabela, Barloworld Empowerment Foundation
Our Collective Legacy Tree - Ice Breaker
Meeting new people isn't always easy. During this interactive session facilitated by Nyeleti Honwana, attendees will learn more about each other by reflecting on their current and aspirational footprints in leveraging philanthropy resources in support of African communities. During this reflective exercise, each person will be asked to contribute to a Legacy Tree filled with the footprints of our individual and collective impact.
Open Mic Soap Box
These 10-minute talks are an opportunity to share information, discuss an idea, voice an opinion, or highlight a recent and relevant issue that you think should be on your colleague’s radar. A sign up sheet will be posted on opening day.
Responding to Changes in Philanthropy Landscapes
This session will examine changes in philanthropy landscapes in the United States and South Africa. The Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (AGAG) emerged from the Southern Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group (SAGAG) that was active in the 1990s to stimulate American foundation interest in supporting efforts to end apartheid and help the communities that it affected. The discussion will explore how changes in American philanthropy have shaped AGAG’s evolution and influenced its decision to conclude its work. The conversation will also explore how changes in the philanthropy landscapes in South Africa have catalyzed a vibrant and diverse philanthropy sector and given rise to the formation of the Independent Philanthropy Association of South Africa (IPASA).
Moderator: Sarah Rennie, Chair, Grinrod Family Centenary Trust
Panelists: Mmabatho Maboya, Chief Executive Officer, Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation
Vuyiswa Sidzumo, Regional Director for Southern Africa, Ford Foundation
Finding the Right Fit: Defining and Shaping Community Philanthropy
The term “community philanthropy” has many meanings. Each community has to define what it looks like for them and how it operates. In this session, Olwethu Sizani talks with Jeremy Maarman and Mamo Mohapi about their work and leadership in supporting community philanthropy. They will share insights and reflections about the challenges and opportunities in leading a rural community foundation and shaping a grantmaking strategy to support community philanthropy.
Moderator: Olwethu Sizani, Program Associate, Ford Foundation
Panelists: Jeremy Maarman, Executive Director, Initiative for Community Advancement
Mamotshidisi “Mamo” Mohapi, Program Officer, C. S. Mott Foundation
Legacies and Activism: An Intergenerational Dialogue
This session will be a faciliated dialogues between three social justice activists who are at different life stages about the focus of their work and their legacies. Although working in different sectors such as education and reproductive rights, their activitism is geared to address the inequities that affect the total person. They reflect on the challenges they have faced, how they have navigated changing contexts, and the current climates for mentoring and supporting social justice activism and activists.
Facilitator: Jonathan Gunthrop, Executive Director, SRHR Africa Trust (SAT)
Discussants: Gugulethu “Gugu” Ndebele, Executive Director, Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls
Teboho Mohloai, Regional Program Officer, SRHR Africa Trust (SAT)
Poloko Mosesi, Growth and Relations Officer, Calling Education NPC
Philanthropy and Social Movements in Africa: Reimagining Solidarity
Social movements in Africa play an important role and can mobilize a social base to push against authoritarianism and advance racial, gender, climate, and socio-economic justice. This session will reflect on the critical role that social movements in Africa are playing in advancing people’s priorities. Drawing on the experiences of movement funders and movement leaders, the discussion will explore the myths and challenges of supporting social movements, the philanthropic models that have worked, and how to advance direct and indirect support. It will also reflect on understanding the legacies of social movements.
Moderator: Briggs Bomba, Program Director, TrustAfrica
Panelists: Halima Mahomed, Senior Fellow on African Philanthropy, TrustAfrica
Thapelo Mohapi, General Secretary, Abahlali baseMjondolo Movement South Africa
From Fossil Fuels to a New Energy Economy: Global Call for a Just Transition
This session will focus on the global call for a Just Transition from fossil fuels to a new energy economy. The discussion will highlight how social movements across the continent are partnering, and together responding to the climate crises and extractivism by building alternative solutions. It will explore how alternate solutions can build resilient societies and transformative economic opportunities and chart a model for a just global energy transition. One of Africa’s leading environmental and social justice advocates will highlight local models and their potential impact for a ‘Just Transition.’
Moderator: Ellen Dorsey, Executive Director, Wallace Global Fund
Bobby Peek, Director, The GroundWork Trust
The Footprints of AGAG's Legacy: The AGAG Legacy Project
This session will include a multi-media presentation of the AGAG Legacy Project with highlights from AGAG's history and excerpts from the documentary podcast, Making A Forest Out of the Trees. Participants will be invited to share their reflections on AGAG’s footprints in the sector.
Special Events
Opening Reception hosted by The Other Foundation
The opening day will conclude with a special reception hosted by The Other Foundation at their new office in Rosebank. The reception will celebrate the people and partnerships that have given life and legacy to AGAG. A special thanks to The Other Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
Closing Ceremony and Celebration Dinner and Dancing
The Closing Ceremony will honor people who have played an important role in AGAG’s evolution and will kick off the Celebration Dinner and Dancing.
ADDING VALUE TO PHILANTHROPY TO AFRICA
Why the Africa Grantmakers’ Affinity Group?
We believe that a strong network of informed and connected funders is a necessary ingredient for robust, effective and responsive philanthropy to benefit African communities.