Lebogang Ramafoko on foreign funding and the political tension between donors

What are the real-time funding crises in South Africa, and how are they affecting vital health and social services, especially in underserved communities? In this powerful episode of Level Up, Phumi Mashigo is joined by thought-leader and social justice veteran Lebogang Ramafoko for a fearless deep dive into the state of South Africa’s NGO sector. From the fallout of USAID’s shutdown to the political ripple effects of foreign funding, Lebogang unpacks the growing tension between international donor agendas and local grassroots priorities. With nearly three decades of experience in health, media, and activism, she offers sharp insights on policy manipulation, government overreach, and the fragile social safety net NGOs are expected to uphold - often without the power or protection they need.