Termination Letters Reveal Financial Struggles at Sentebale

Sentebale, the charity co-founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso, is now facing deeper scrutiny following the emergence of alleged official termination letters issued to staff. The letters, dated April 2, 2025, confirm that Sentebale terminated employees due to a lack of funding and broader operational constraints. This development preceded the Charity Commission’s decision to launch a regulatory compliance case into Sentebale’s governance, administration, and management, as concerns grew over financial decisions made under interim board chair Sophie Chandauka.

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

Termination Letters Confirm Lack of Donor Support

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

The termination letters, signed by Interim Executive Director Didi Moroka and Country Director Boitumelo Lethoba, cite donor funding as the main reason for retrenchment. The documents state that staff participated in engagement sessions in March and that leadership explored all alternatives to layoffs. Ultimately, the organization concluded it could no longer meet its obligations due to limited financial support.

This direct admission contradicts earlier public messaging from Chandauka and her supporters, who claimed the charity remained on strong footing without its founders. Social media buzzed with speculation that her family had become one of Sentebale’s top three donors. The new evidence tells a different story—one of rapid decline and internal collapse.

Related | ‘With Heavy Hearts’ Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso Resign From Sentebale

Legal Threats and Consultant Spending Raise New Alarms

Sources close to former staff allege that employees were warned not to speak about the terminations or risk legal action. These claims, though not yet confirmed publicly by Sentebale, have amplified public outrage. Critics argue that such threats, if true, betray the charity’s mission to serve vulnerable communities and promote accountability.

Public trust further eroded after financial documents showed that between June 2023 and January 2025, Sentebale spent over £427,000 on consultants. Among the recipients were firms and individuals with direct ties to Chandauka, including former colleagues and past business partners. While staff faced layoffs under the banner of fiscal austerity, Chandauka reportedly demanded a salary package exceeding £300,000 for what had been a voluntary role.

These revelations continue to fuel fallout across the organization. Trustee resignations and the co-founders’ decision to step down in solidarity have escalated tensions over the direction of governance under Sophie Chandauka’s chairmanship. As Sentebale’s public image unravels, observers now question the role of UK regulators and whether donors will ever regain confidence.