SayPro “Be Careful How You Represent Yourself and Your Company” — SayPro CEO Neftaly Malatjie Addresses Professionalism at Capacity Building Training for NPOs

Johannesburg, South Africa – 26 June 2025

At the recently concluded SayPro Capacity Building Training for NPOs Programme, held from 24 to 26 June 2025 at the Southern Africa Youth Project headquarters, SayPro CEO and leader of Development, Neftaly Malatjie, delivered a strong message on professionalism, ethics, and brand representation in the nonprofit sector.

Speaking to over 100 nonprofit leaders, youth workers, and development practitioners, Malatjie stated, “You need to be careful how you represent yourself and your company.” This statement was more than advice—it was a call for nonprofit leaders to uphold integrity, professionalism, and excellence in every aspect of their work.

“The way you speak, the way you dress, how you respond to emails, how you treat partners and community members—it all reflects on your organization,” Malatjie emphasized. “When you represent yourself well, you build trust. And trust is everything in this sector.”

The SayPro Capacity Building Training for NPOs is a structured development initiative that provides nonprofit organizations with the knowledge and tools to run legally compliant, financially responsible, and socially impactful programs. Over the course of three days, participants were trained on governance, compliance with SARS and UIF, financial management, and leadership development.

Malatjie’s remarks came during a session focused on organizational image and stakeholder engagement. He warned nonprofit professionals that reputational damage can easily occur if leaders fail to carry themselves and their organizations with dignity and professionalism.

“Funders, government partners, and communities judge you not just by what you say, but by what you do and how you do it. You are the face of your organization every day—act accordingly.”

The training featured workshops, policy template distribution, role-playing exercises on professional communication, and guidance on public engagement. Participants also received mentorship on how to position their organizations for growth, visibility, and donor confidence.

Attendees described Malatjie’s message as “timely and necessary,” especially in a sector where public perception can directly affect funding, partnerships, and impact.

One participant commented, “We often focus so much on serving others that we forget to look at how we carry ourselves. This reminder from Mr. Malatjie was empowering—it’s about leadership by example.”

The June 2025 event was part of SayPro’s broader commitment to strengthening the nonprofit ecosystem across Southern Africa. By promoting professional standards and ethical leadership, SayPro aims to ensure that NPOs are not only impactful but also trusted and respected in their communities.