Prince Harry has resigned from Sentebale, the Africa-focused charity he co-founded with Lesotho’s Prince Seeiso to support children affected by HIV/AIDS. His decision, followed by the exit of Prince Seeiso and key trustees, follows a bitter internal dispute within the charity’s boardroom. This isn’t just a royal headline—it’s a moment that shines a spotlight on the governance and intentions of Western-run charities operating across Africa.
At the center of the fallout is board chair Dr. Sophie Chandauka, a Zimbabwean-born lawyer, who has blown the whistle on what she describes as “poor governance, bullying, misogyny, and executive incompetence” inside the organization. She claims attempts to cover up mismanagement led to mass resignations, and the UK’s Charity Commission is now investigating. For many Africans, this drama reflects deeper frustrations about how foreign charities function on the continent—raising millions under the banner of compassion, while failing the very people they claim to help.
This implosion raises a broader question: who truly controls these global charities, and are they accountable to African voices? It also challenges the feel-good narratives surrounding celebrity philanthropy. When the dust settles, it’s African children living with HIV/AIDS who may suffer from broken promises and eroded trust.
