South Africa has been ranked the world’s most generous country in a new global study, a finding that stands in contrast to the country’s ongoing economic challenges and high levels of inequality.
The ranking, based on international research measuring behaviours such as empathy, kindness, patience and support for others, placed South Africa at the top of a list of 25 countries surveyed.
Researchers found that South Africans consistently scored highly in non-financial acts of generosity, including emotional support, community care and a willingness to help others, even in times of hardship.
The findings come at a time when many households are facing rising living costs, unemployment and service delivery pressures, yet community-based support systems such as stokvels, burial societies, feeding schemes and informal care networks continue to play a critical role across the country.
Social analysts say the results reflect deeply rooted cultural values that prioritise collective wellbeing,
often referred to locally as Ubuntu, where individuals see their humanity as connected to the wellbeing of others.
While the study focused on behavioural indicators rather than income or wealth, the ranking highlights how generosity in South Africa is frequently expressed through time, care and shared responsibility rather than financial giving alone.
The results have sparked renewed discussion about the resilience of community networks and the role they play in sustaining social cohesion during difficult economic periods.