In 2015, a group of jaded corporate social investment managers were again taking stock of the millions being invested in their projects and the lacklustre impact being created. They soon came to realise that what they were actually asking each other was what could be done differently to move beyond the grant management mindset, which seemingly dominates community development despite often not offering sustained material gain for affected communities. The answer that emerged from their vision to fundamentally deliver on the promise of creating a positive impact in communities was clear. The best evidence available in dealing with difficult social problems pointed to the need to apply a set of fundamental principles associated with design and systems thinking. Mastering these principles within real-world applications soon followed, first through a collaboration known as Impact Partners and then formally with the establishment of Sephebo as a dedicated service platform.

Sephebo (Sechaba Phelang Botse) builds on the initial five years of extensive development and testing done within the Impact Partners Network to continue the work of strengthening impact orientated behaviours amongst funders and community leaders who are aiming to achieve better results from their community development efforts.

Community leaders who are aiming to achieve better results from their community development efforts.