Abstract
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) operating in the sport-for-development field have delivered a variety of programmes in the Johannesburg metropole. This study addressed key issues about sustainability at three NGO case studies funded by the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation, a sport-for-development organisation that offers humanitarian programmes to impoverished communities in Johannesburg, South Africa. The research was grounded on theory of change as well as resource-dependency and systems theories. The theories were comparatively applied to analyse practical scenarios in the NGOs' case studies. Qualitative research methods as well as inductive and deductive data were used to address the research objectives and the case studies of the NGOs. Document analysis and virtual interviews were also conducted with decision-makers and programme instructors to collect appropriate data. The findings revealed that diverse resources are required to ensure sustainability of the NGOs, along with fundraising techniques. Funding provided by external stakeholders is not guaranteed as it is based on financial capacity. Due to global financial and social constraints (e.g., COVID-19 pandemic), it has become evident that stakeholders can retract or reduce funding provided to NGOs. NGOs face sustainability challenges, based on financial diversification, programme delivery and governance issues. Financial constraints, remuneration of personnel, access to resources and programme implementation all negatively impacted on the sustainability of development programmes in this study. In view of such challenges, sustainability is a critical issue that NGOs must include in their strategic planning.