The nationwide survey focused on individual giving across all age, race, gender and religious groupings. 54% of the respondents said they give money to charities or causes; almost one-third said that they give food or goods and just 17% volunteer their time.
While the research brings home the fact that a heartening proportion of South African citizens may be motivated to give to the greater good of the country, it also highlights the opportunities to do much more to effectively mobilise and channel resources to the many South Africans living in destabilising poverty.
Tamzin Ractliffe, Executive Director of GreaterGood South Africa, says: "What is interesting is the light that has been shed on South Africans' ideas about giving. Two-thirds of the citizens who took part in this survey said that they're motivated to give to the poor by feelings of human solidarity and 93% agreed that helping the poor is an important part of building a better South Africa for all.
"This shows a high level of individual responsibility; an understanding that we are living in a systemic world, where we only thrive sustainably, over the long term, if all sectors of our society and our environment are also thriving."
In September, GreaterGood South Africa launches the country's first-ever Giving Exchange to coincide with the country's Heritage Day celebrations. The Giving Exchange connects South African businesses and individuals to bona fide non profit organisations (NPOs) so that they can explore innovative ways of supporting meaningful social and economic development.
The event is sponsored by the Shuttleworth Foundation, Noah Financial Innovation's 'Broking For Good' Foundation, First National Bank, Discovery and Independent Newspapers.
"It is important to know that giving that makes a real difference isn't only about the donation of money. At the Giving Exchange, we hope to see NPOs and people who want to make a contribution to the greater good coming up with new ways for causes to access the expertise, skills, talents and resources that they need to do their work."
Mark Shuttleworth says: "The exciting thing about the Giving Exchange is that while it provides a channel for important funding, it also encourages people to contribute their time and expertise in innovative ways."
The Giving Exchange will be held on 16 and 17 September at Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg, and on 23 and 24 September at V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.
