Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in South Africa play an important role in the social, political and economic development of the country. This has particularly been the case since the advent of democracy in 1994. The increasing needs of society have underscored the requirement for CSOs to have the appropriate capacity to address the demands of society. At the same time, however, they experience many challenges in their role of bridging the gap between the state and society, while also bridging the gap between themselves, which is manifested in a variety of ways.   

Established in 1998 through the National Development Agency (NDA) Act, the NDA was established for the purposes of “promoting an appropriate and sustainable partnership between the Government and civil society organisations to eradicate poverty and its causes” (NDA Act, 1998). The establishment of the NDA points to the fact that government views civil society organisations, particularly service delivery civil society organisations, as key partners in bringing about development in South Africa. This commitment sits within the paradox of government also being increasingly apprehensive of the role that civil society plays in South Africa.

The NDA commissioned the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) to conduct a study to identifying ways to ascertain the most critical needs, and how best to enhance and create capacities and build capabilities for the civil society sector to inform training and capacity-building interventions that would strengthen constructive engagements between the developmental state and civil society, and thereby promoting the objective of improving the quality of service delivery.

The aims of the public dialogue are to:

• Present the findings of the research and recommendations to both government and the business sector on their critical role in supporting the civil society sector in a coherent and integrated manner;
• Bring together public-private partnerships in strengthening the capacities and capabilities of the sector;

The public dialogue will be hosted Live on Zoom, and Registration will be required beforehand.

https://zoom.us/j/95806661718?pwd=QUdHTFhvUWwvZDNKQ1hiVUxXSGdyUT09

Members of the media are invited to cover and attend the public dialogue scheduled as follows:

Date:               Wednesday, 02 December 2020
Venue:           Livestream via Zoom

Time:              10h30-14h00

Media can RSVP and send media enquiries to Mr Lonwabo Ganelo on 073 2950547 or e-mail: lonwabog@nda.org.za