Civil Society submission
submission towards the Social Sector Summit 2018
Compiled by Community Chest and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation
Background
In February 2018, a group of civil society leaders have come together in Cape Town to discuss pressing
issues affecting the sector. The gathering, held on World NGO Day, was organised by Community Chest
and the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation in preparation for the Social Sector Summit which was
announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa during State of the Nation Address 2018.
“In recognising the critical role that non-government organisations (NGOs) and communitybased organisations (CBOs) play in tackling poverty, inequality and related social problems,
we will convene a social sector summit during the course of this year.” (SONA 2018, Cyril
Ramaphosa)
Staying true to World NGO Day’s theme: ‘Celebrate, commemorate and collaborate’ the event
brought about 40 Not-for-Profit Organisations (NGO) out of their silos, to establish a cohesive voice
on the critical issues facing society in the post-Zuma era. The aim of the roundtable was to reflect on
the demise, limitations and restrictions experienced by civil society organisation. At the same time,
the organisations present also had honest conversations about the shortcomings of civil society in
terms of accountability, transparency and competing for resources.
This first draft of the document summarises the contributions made. It will be sent for further input
and consultations to all participants. In addition, Community Chest and the IJR will drive an online
campaign to gather further input which will be shared with the Presidency and the Institutions
responsible for organising the event.
The document is a reflection of different and at times contradicting views. It provides a good basis to
understand the vital issues that the Social Sector Summit will have to address.
The conversation
This section captures views, insights, ideas and recommendations raised during the roundtable
discussion.
NPO Governance
• Should there be more regulation about who can register an NPO? How do we create more
accountability for NPOs?
• Dangers of over institutionalising the sector which could create a scenario – you either in or
you are out with government.
• Professionalise the way NPOs are managed.
• Are NGOs seen as a threat to government?
• Bureaucracy – The state interface is difficult to navigate
• Too many NGO registrations
NPO introspection
• NPOs to not forget the purpose of their existence – it is not to make the NPO sector
sustainable but to work towards changing the society and constantly reflecting if the work
done is still relevant and useful
• Ethical leadership – this is vital within the NPO sector as well as in all spheres of government.
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