Sentebale Crisis Deepens as Donors Exit and Staff Are Laid Off Over Sophie Chandauka’s Leadership

Despite public assurances of stability, Sentebale is now in deep financial crisis, with internal documents revealing a starkly different reality. A redundancy letter from April confirms the charity “does not have” donor funding and is undergoing “retrenchment.” Four of its five London-based staff, including the global head of finance and compliance, have been laid off. Reductions across teams in Lesotho mark the largest staffing cuts in the charity’s history.

I have carefully steered clear of criticising the actions of #Sentebale's executives till now. But this is upsetting.

Is it true that you threatened people with legal action should they disclose that you have terminated their employment, ladies? 🤔 We see you.#FreeSentebale pic.twitter.com/ltWpNwozPs

— Dr Catherine Lephoto 🇿🇦 🇱🇸 🇺🇸 🇬🇭 (@RealDoctorC) May 3, 2025

Donors Exit Amid Leadership Concerns

While Sentebale claims that two-thirds of its funders remain committed, a recent fundraiser fell far short of expectations. Legacy donors have pulled support, citing chairwoman Sophie Chandauka’s continued involvement as the reason.

“A recent fundraiser fell well short of expectations, with legacy donors blaming the chairwoman’s ongoing role for their withdrawal. The Times also reported that Sentebale’s Mamohato Children’s Centre in Lesotho—once serving over 700 children annually—has been effectively mothballed, with staff told to work from home as the charity drains reserves built up over two decades.” — The Times (August 2025)

The charity, once backed by nearly £1.4 million in reserves, has depleted much of that in recent months, despite receiving £1.1 million from Prince Harry’s Spare proceeds. Sentebale had operated with stability for nearly two decades. Its current turmoil only began under Chandauka’s tenure, raising questions about accountability, oversight, and donor trust.

A Power Struggle at the Top

The charity’s unraveling follows months of internal conflict. Board members reportedly raised alarms over a £400,000 consultancy bill under Chandauka’s leadership. When asked to resign, she responded by filing complaints of harassment, misogyny, and racism to the Charity Commission. In March, the board resigned en masse, citing her “almost dictatorial” approach. Both founders, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, also stepped down, calling the situation “untenable.”

The Charity Commission later concluded there was no evidence of a culture of bullying or harassment, though it criticized both sides for allowing the conflict to unfold publicly. Still, Chandauka remains in post.

Staff Loyalty and Questions of Accountability

Many former staff remain loyal to Prince Harry. One former team member said Chandauka “ran the organization into the ground.” Reports claimed that Chandauka requested a £2,200 daily rate. She denied this and stated that Prince Harry was the one who proposed the amount. However, her claim appears questionable, since both Prince Harry and the original trustees later called for her to step down. The Times did not report whether Prince Harry confirmed or denied making the offer.

Sentebale, under Chandauka, maintains that its restructuring was strategic, intended to shift executive functions to southern Africa. It blamed reputational attacks for the failed fundraiser. Regarding the controversial consultancy fees, the charity insists the board approved the spending and that the work helped build a pipeline of prospective donors. Trustees who resigned reject that version of events.

Final Thoughts

Sentebale was founded to serve vulnerable children affected by HIV across southern Africa. Today, that mission is in jeopardy. Despite Prince Harry’s financial contributions and personal withdrawal to protect the charity’s integrity, its future looks increasingly uncertain.

Chairwoman Sophie Chandauka directed over £427,000 to consultants with no proven return. Longtime donors have withdrawn. Nearly all London-based staff have been laid off. Reserves built over 20 years have evaporated in months. Now, the charity faces a critical moment.

Sentebale must file its annual accounts for the year ending December 2024 by September 30, 2025. The most recent report only extends to August 2023. With conflicting narratives and a shrinking donor base, the spotlight now turns to those financial filings.

The children of Sentebale deserve transparency and stability. Whether the charity can survive this chapter, or whether Chandauka’s leadership marks the end of its legacy, remains an open question.