Around 98% of NGOs in SA believe that technology is essential to their day-to-day operations. However, a lack of funding and poor Internet connection are some of the biggest barriers to tech adoption within the sector.
This is according to a recent survey conducted by Microsoft, which polled 55 NGOs across SA. The research found NGOs who have adopted digital solutions within their organisations are able to work more effectively with staff and volunteers across the globe.
Unpacking the survey results at the Microsoft offices in Johannesburg yesterday, Siya Madyibi, head of Corporate External and Legal Affairs at Microsoft SA, said the right technology allows NGOs to overcome in-country connectivity issues and break free of physical IT hardware.
"Digital transformation enables NGOs to complement their traditional practices, and ensure a holistic approach. For example, using CRM Online allows them to always stay connected to constituents, volunteers, and donors, allowing them to nurture donor relationships but also acknowledging that face-to-face meetings are not phased out completely," he added.
Most NGOs that participated in the survey reported that they found the most important resources for their organisation to be cloud-based technologies, Skype for enhanced communication with other offices and field workers, as well as tools that allowed for data collection and analysis.
Alana James, CEO of stem cell donor NGO, Sunflower Fund, said most NGOs are trying to understand what technology will do for them, but because they are so focused on doing good in society, they lose sight the value it can add in achieving their goals.
"The NGO sector is still treated like a charity organisation and the mindset has to change to take on the latest technology. There's innovation that comes with technology which goes beyond just handing over a software package or a laptop, but it's about the technology that is of almost as much value as the lives we change.
"Since we started maximising the use of technology in our NGO, our newsletter subscriber base has increased; we've increased the number of donors and investors and our open rate has also increased," she noted.
The results from the survey also showed that out of the 55 non-profits surveyed, only 12 said that 80% of their employees and field workers have access to devices, and 16 reported that their field workers are using technology to better serve their cause.
However, those who do have devices said that their employees are empowered to better serve their communities because they are able to work from anywhere, reducing their anxiety to deliver and eliminating inefficiencies.
Among the hindrances to fully integrating technology, most of those NGOs lagging behind said lack of funding and poor Internet connection were the main barriers. Several respondents indicated that there was often an internal belief that technology is too expensive. They also reported facing challenges regarding weak team structures and collaboration, as well as restricted funding models.
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