Money isn’t the problem. People dealing with poverty or neglect always identify it as the “problem”. It becomes important when the school you build has (and check this out, it’s almost surreal) marble floors, a spa, hair-care salons and so on.

The requirement is for appropriate economic solutions. CK Prahalad (The Fortune at the Bottom of the Pyramid) has done much to promote this, companies like my own continue it in South Africa.

It works like this: get the poor to manufacture and sell things to each other FIRST, then deal with the rest of the world. It is this approach which has so transformed China. The reason it works is simple, the products so produced will be cheap enough for the poor to afford. This builds economic activity and allows for … that awful phrase … sustainable development (as compared to expensive charity of the Oprah variety).

My real question: I understand that money is not enough. As someone with extensive knowledge and understanding, given $46 million to improve living conditions in, say, Soweto, how would you spend it? What else would you ask for? What needs to be in the mix to effect real change? Where would you begin? Are there identifiable, fundamental problems which could actually be solved? How would you address intangible elements like hopelessness, or traditions that no longer work, or ingrained attitudes?

Does Scholars and Rogues have a bug/or in the process of being de-bugged.

…it does not seem to run smoothly as before.

Whilst I understand where you are coming from, often, I really cannot fall for the picture you have created with the listed individuals.

Philanthropy is an established part of all society and historically NOTHING would have happened to kick-start voluntary societal change (as opposed to violent revolt supported by academic theories that proved futile and horrific in the end the world over) without the acts of the famous/established personalities of the day – who happened to be rich and/or had clout. The education of the poor started with the impetus of charity.

It is well known in England that the ONE individual who changed forever how the public viewed the AIDS victim was the PoW. She walked in with gloves off, sat down and chatted with them. The first visit to that first hospice was a turning point. The precedent she set was truly remarkable.

Oprah’s venture into SA I knew a little about and she is clearly a monetary force but there are few who doubt her generosity and genuine desire to help. Hopefully, the powers that be will operate more checks and balances when it comes to supporting 150 girls.

…and one girl educated at great expense would be fine by me. It is individuals that make a difference in society not packs. One girl going on to lead and inform in SA having had a benefactor would be something to embrace considering the position of many females in your country.

It is unfortunate that the school is going through this…but it is not unique. Abuse happens. Just ask kids the world over.

All countries deal, trade, interconnect and give to one another.

if it had not been for the thrust of charitable giving – and all the major religions talk about charitable giving