In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry has resigned from Sentebale, the charity he co-founded, due to a significant dispute with its leadership.
According to the Daily Mail, the ongoing conflict involving strategic decisions has led to a series of resignations within the charity, including that of its co-founder.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho established Sentebale in 2006. Since then, the charity has primarily focused on supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho and Botswana, particularly those affected by poverty and HIV/AIDS. To pay tribute to their mothers, they named it “Sentebale,” meaning "forget-me-not" in Sesotho.
Over the years, the charity has garnered global attention and support, thanks to its impactful work and high-profile backing. However, recent developments have cast a shadow over its operations.
Dr. Sophie Chandauka, who took over as the chair of Sentebale’s board of trustees last year, has become a central figure in the controversy. Under her leadership, the charity introduced a proposal to relocate its fundraising operations to Africa. While the initiative aimed at strengthening local involvement, it met with resistance from several board members.
The resistance quickly escalated into a severe dispute over the strategic direction of Sentebale. With growing tensions, multiple trustees expressed their dissatisfaction with Dr. Chandauka’s leadership style and decisions.
Amid the escalating crisis, the charity’s trustees, including lifelong friends of Prince Harry, decided to step down. They cited a breakdown in the relationship with Dr. Chandauka that had become irreparable, leading to an untenable situation for continued collaboration.
In a joint statement, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed their dismay at the unfolding events: “What's transpired is unthinkable. We are in shock that we have to do this,” the statement read.
The resignations have sparked a broader discussion about governance and responsibility in non-profit organizations. In response, Sentebale announced that Carmel Gaillard would lead the organization as the Interim Executive Director in Johannesburg, starting in December 2024.
Meanwhile, the Charity Commission has taken note of the governance issues at Sentebale and is currently assessing the situation to ensure that the charity can continue to operate effectively without compromising its objectives.
Dr. Chandauka has robustly defended her actions and decision not to resign. In a compelling defense, she stated, “For me, this is not a vanity project from which I can resign when I am called to account. I am an African who has had the privilege of a world-class education and career. I will not be intimidated. I must stand for something.”
Furthermore, she explained her commitment to the charity’s cause, emphasizing the need to focus on crucial fundraising efforts especially during a challenging geopolitical climate that has affected funding for development work in Africa.
Despite the ongoing leadership turmoil, Sentebale remains determined to advance its transformation agenda. Recently, the charity unveiled plans to focus more on youth health, wealth, and climate resilience in southern Africa. This strategic shift marks a crucial step toward addressing contemporary challenges affecting the region’s vulnerable populations.
Meanwhile, as the organization navigates these turbulent times, its supporters hope it will continue fulfilling its noble mission with even greater efficiency and impact in the years ahead.
At the same time, the charity world closely watches as Sentebale restructures and adapts, hoping it will honor and expand upon the legacy and initial vision of its founders in this new chapter.
