In a significant turn of events, Prince Harry has resigned as patron of Sentebale, the charity he co-founded in 2006 to support young people affected by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana.
His decision follows a deepening governance crisis within the organization, stemming from a dramatic fallout between the charity’s board of trustees and its chairperson, Dr. Sophie Chandauka.
The Duke of Sussex, alongside fellow co-founder Prince Seeiso of Lesotho, announced their resignation in a joint statement, citing an “irreparable breakdown” in relations between the board and Dr. Chandauka.
The dispute reached a boiling point when Dr. Chandauka was asked to step down from her role but instead took legal action against the charity, suing to retain her position. This legal battle has cast a shadow over Sentebale’s operations and created a rift that the founders and trustees deemed unsustainable.
In response to her removal, Chandauka filed a formal complaint with the UK Charity Commission, accusing the charity of “abuse of power” and “harassment.” The commission has confirmed it is reviewing the situation, acknowledging the concerns raised about the charity’s governance.
Sentebale’s mission began with a focus on supporting young people impacted by HIV and AIDS in Lesotho and Botswana but has since expanded. In 2023, the charity announced a broader mandate to address youth health, economic development, and climate resilience across Southern Africa. Despite its growing ambitions, internal divisions have now overshadowed its efforts.
Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso expressed their deep disappointment in a statement, noting that it was “devastating” to witness the collapse of the relationship between the charity’s board and its chairperson. They described the situation as untenable, acknowledging that the trust needed to move forward had been irrevocably broken.
Former board members, including Timothy Boucher, Mark Dyer, Audrey Kgosidintsi, Dr. Kelello Lerotholi, and Damian West, also voiced their frustration, revealing that the chair’s legal challenge left them no choice but to step down. “This was not a decision we made lightly,” they said. “But in order to protect the future of Sentebale, it was necessary.”
Dr. Chandauka, however, defended her leadership and decision to challenge the board. She argued that her actions were taken in the interest of fairness, transparency, and good governance, accusing certain individuals of attempting to suppress her efforts. “There are those who believe they are above the law,” she stated. “They mistreat people and then play the victim. This is a cover-up of serious issues like poor governance, bullying, harassment, and misogyny.”
Amid the swirling controversy, Sentebale has not formally acknowledged the resignation of Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso but confirmed that a “restructuring” of its board is underway. The charity emphasized that this restructuring is part of a broader strategy to recalibrate its operations and expand its impact in Southern Africa, despite the current turmoil.
As Sentebale works to navigate these challenges, the future of the charity and its mission hangs in the balance, with the controversy casting a shadow over what was once seen as a promising force for social change in the region.
The unfolding saga raises critical questions about governance, accountability, and the power dynamics within charitable organizations, leaving many to wonder how the charity will recover and whether it can continue to fulfill its mission amidst such turbulence.
