Building the Board at the Small Enterprise Foundation, Northern Province, South Africa
This paper is a case study on the formation of the Board of the Small Enterprise Foundation (SEF), an NGO promoting the Grameen Bank model of microfinance in South Africa. The case study traces the personal journey of one of the promoters of SEF, John de Wit, and how his vision of a MFI and its board shaped the future of SEF.
The paper outlines:
- De Wit's initial experience with Get Ahead Foundation (GAF) and in the process;
- His exposure to the Grameen Bank model of providing financial services to the rural poor, which was instrumental in conceiving SEF.
The paper further describes SEF as it stands today and the operating methodology that it follows, including:
- Training sessions to explain savings and loaning methodology;
- Ensuring loan usage according to the agreed business plan;
- Responsibility of group leadership.
The second half of the paper concentrates on the positive support of the Board to SEF, and De Wit's vision of the Board which includes:
- Maintaining the vision focus of SEF by taking appropriate actions;
- Assisting in easing the operations of SEF;
- Supporting the organization in building a fundamentally strong management;
- Having a compact Board comprising of members who may not be high profile but who have the willingness to work for the organization.
The report concludes with a discussion on the relevant issues and learning during the formation of the Board, the names of former board members and the contribution of board members.
