Forms of collective action that exist outside of the family, state and market have increased and taken on new forms over the last half century, and particularly in the last decade and a half. These structures form a powerful space for social cohesion and solidarity, service delivery and a voice of critique and expression. Civil society is thus a key partner in a democratic and free society.

This is particularly pertinent in South Africa, where civil society played a fundamental role in the transition to democracy. Under apartheid civil society was generally defined by its relationship to the state – either serving white interests and aligned to the state, or in opposition to the state. Since 1994 CSOs have had to renegotiate their relationship to the state. Many organisations have found that the government has not delivered on its promises and as a result have focused on serving poor communities, often without state assistance or interest.<