Giving in South Africa: time and skills are becoming as valuable as money
Nedbank Private Wealth’s Giving Report VI reveals that generosity remains deeply embedded among affluent South Africans. In 2025, 86% gave money, goods or time – representing more than 72 000 affluent individuals.
Their collective contribution was substantial:
- R2.9 billion donated in cash
- R2.9 billion donated in goods
- 3.1 million hours volunteered
Volunteering is no longer an add-on
43% of givers volunteered during the year and approximately one in four respondents provided pro bono services, particularly through education, training and professional expertise.
The depth of this commitment is striking:
- 29% of volunteers contributed 10–25 hours
- 49% volunteered for at least 25 hours
- 27% contributed 100 hours or more
Donors are also becoming far more actively involved after making a contribution. Between 2021 and 2025:
- Volunteering with recipient organisations increased from 17% to 29%
- Assisting with fundraising or events rose from 10% to 28%
- Providing voluntary professional services increased from 6% to 20%
- Serving on boards increased from 4% to 10%
This signals a clear shift: giving is moving from transaction to participation. Donors increasingly want to contribute their skills, build relationships and see the impact for themselves.
Donors want connection and proof
Almost half of donors – 47% – visited organisations to see their impact first-hand. The proportion of donors who did not measure the results of their giving fell dramatically from 78% in 2021 to 37% in 2025.
For non-profit organisations, the message is clear: create meaningful ways for supporters to participate, make skills-based volunteering easy and show people the difference their time and expertise are making.
The headline: South Africa’s affluent are not only giving more than money. They are showing up – with their time, skills, networks and experience.
Source: Nedbank Private Wealth, The Giving Report VI. The research is based on 300 affluent South Africans interviewed between November 2025 and March 2026. Comparisons with previous editions should be treated cautiously because the report adopted a higher income and wealth threshold.
