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Civil society organizations and COVID-19 in Limpopo province, South Africa: assessment of impacts and coping strategies

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  • Lazarus Chapungu

    (University of South Africa)

  • Godwell Nhamo

    (University of South Africa)

  • Malebajoa Anicia Maoela

    (University of South Africa)

Abstract

The measures instituted by national governments to abate the proliferation of COVID-19 had immediate and dramatic ramifications on most sectors and socio-economic players of the society, including the civil society organizations (CSOs). In view of the important role played by CSOs in assisting national governments to address social and economic vices within communities, it is critical to understand the extent to which they were affected by the pandemic and determine the coping strategies instituted. In this study, the mixed methods research design, premised on a survey of 143 questionnaires and 34 key informant interviews, was adopted to examine the impacts of COVID-19 on CSOs and determine their coping strategies in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. Results show that organizational finances were over-stretched and CSOs with unsustainable funding streams were the most affected. Funding completely ran dry in some instances, resulting in halted operations and fueling job losses. The pandemic-induced restrictions disrupted the CSOs value chains, distressing inbound and outbound logistics, operations, and community outreach. Several coping mechanisms were instituted, including value chain re-engineering, modification of strategic goals and operational strategies, diversification of funding streams, and accelerating digital transformation. The study concludes that COVID-19 had a largely deleterious impact on CSOs. While most organizations managed to build resilience using various coping mechanisms, some faltered and recovery will be slow given the ongoing strained macro-economic conditions. The concerted effort by national governments to resuscitate and capacitate the CSOs is recommended since they play a pivotal role in assisting the government in alleviating community emergencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Lazarus Chapungu & Godwell Nhamo & Malebajoa Anicia Maoela, 2025. "Civil society organizations and COVID-19 in Limpopo province, South Africa: assessment of impacts and coping strategies," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-025-04819-7
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-04819-7
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Meyer Michael & Millner Reinhard & Pennerstorfer Astrid & Vandor Peter, 2021. "Partnership in Times of COVID-19: Government and Civil Society in Austria," Nonprofit Policy Forum, De Gruyter, vol. 12(1), pages 65-92, January.
    2. Rodrigo Curty Pereira & Susan J. Elliott & Pablo Llaguno Cárdenas, 2023. "Stepping into the Void: Lessons Learned from Civil Society Organizations during COVID-19 in Rio de Janeiro," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(8), pages 1-18, April.
    3. Daniel Solymári & Edward Kairu & Ráhel Czirják & István Tarrósy, 2023. "Caring Interventions for the Most Vulnerable Populations in Economically Disadvantaged Areas during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic by Non-Governmental Organizations in Kenya," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-15, May.
    4. Bazzo Vieira, João Pedro & Vieira Braga, Carlos Kauê & Pereira, Rafael H.M., 2022. "The impact of COVID-19 on air passenger demand and CO2 emissions in Brazil," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    5. Diana Sanchez, 2010. "Civil society responses to homelessness," Development Southern Africa, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(1), pages 101-110.
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