- Resignation follows irreparable breakdown between board members and chair
- Chairwoman filed lawsuits to retain position after whistleblower claims
- Charity Commission assessing governance concerns at UK-registered organization
- Sentebale pivots from AIDS focus to youth climate resilience programs
The abrupt departure of Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso from Sentebale marks a turning point for the charity founded in 2006. Trustees confirmed the royal patrons stepped down after failed attempts to resolve conflicts with board chair Sophie Chandauka, who allegedly refused voluntary resignation despite internal pressure. Legal documents reveal Chandauka's counterclaims about systemic governance failures, though specific evidence remains undisclosed.
Industry analysts note this dispute reflects broader challenges in philanthropic leadership. Nonprofit governance expert Dr. Lindiwe Mbeki observes: When founders and boards clash, it often stems from differing visions about scaling operations versus maintaining original missions.Sentebale's planned expansion into climate resilience initiatives reportedly exacerbated existing tensions about resource allocation.
A regional case study from Botswana's Hope for Youthfoundation shows similar patterns. After 2018 leadership disputes, the HIV-focused charity saw 40% donor attrition before restructuring its board. Sentebale now faces comparable risks, having supported 250,000 youths across Lesotho and Botswana through HIV education and mental health programs since inception.
The Charity Commission's pending review could impact Sentebale's UK funding streams, which accounted for 65% of its £6M annual budget in 2023. Legal experts warn protracted disputes may violate Britain's Charity Act governance standards, potentially triggering regulatory interventions. Meanwhile, staff members describe workplace anxiety as the public feud overshadows field operations.
Prince Harry's emotional connection to Sentebale deepens the crisis. During his October 2023 visit, he emphasized the life-changing power of community-led solutions.The charity's namesake – don't forget mein Sesotho – now ironically underscores concerns about mission drift. As trustees appoint interim leadership, beneficiaries await clarity on continued support for 87 active programs.
