South African universities raised more than R2.3 billion in philanthropic funding, demonstrating donor confidence while highlighting ongoing challenges around equity, digital access and institutional capacity.
South Africa’s higher education sector continues to demonstrate resilience and fundraising strength despite persistent structural challenges, according to the latest Annual Survey of Philanthropy in Higher Education (ASPIHE) reports released by Inyathelo: The South African Institute for Advancement.
The reports, covering the 2023 and 2024 academic years, reveal that ten participating universities collectively secured a record R2.4 billion in philanthropic income during 2023. Although funding eased slightly to R2.32 billion in 2024, overall advancement income, including support from Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs), reached R2.7 billion.
The findings represent significant growth from the survey’s first report in 2013, when participating institutions raised R659 million in philanthropic funding.
The reports also revealed strong donor growth. The number of donors supporting participating universities reached 9,106 in 2023, more than double the 4,355 donors recorded when the survey began.
International private funding continues to play a critical role in supporting research, infrastructure and institutional development, although South African funding sources remain central to university advancement efforts.
Institutional fundraising performance also reached new heights. The highest amount secured by a single institution increased to R856 million in 2024, up from R783 million the previous year.
Despite the positive growth trajectory, the reports highlight ongoing concerns around inequality within the higher education sector. According to report author Dr Michael Cosser, historically disadvantaged institutions continue to face significant barriers in accessing philanthropic support and adapting to an increasingly digital fundraising environment.
He noted that while the digital revolution is transforming fundraising globally, many historically disadvantaged institutions are struggling to keep pace, creating a risk that existing disparities could widen further.
The reports found a strong correlation between investment in advancement offices, fundraising capacity and philanthropic income. Universities that have invested in professional fundraising teams, alumni engagement and advancement functions continue to generate stronger funding outcomes.
Inyathelo Acting Executive Director Feryal Domingo said expanding participation in the survey remains a priority to provide a more comprehensive picture of philanthropy across South Africa’s higher education landscape.
She emphasised that accurate data collection is essential not only for reporting purposes but also for creating a more equitable, resilient and sustainable higher education system.
As ASPIHE enters its second decade, the survey continues to provide critical benchmarking data, helping universities strengthen fundraising strategies while highlighting opportunities to narrow the gaps that still exist across the sector.
