The Changing Roles of Non-Governmental Organizations in Development in South Africa: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract

Given the changing environment of public administration, the roles played by non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will continuously evolve. NGOs are considered to be major role players in this era of governance as; in some instances, they fill the vacuum created by governments’ inability to honor the social contract, particularly in developing countries. However, the role of NGOs in the development process does not come easily, as they are faced with a number of challenges and opportunities. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the changing roles of NGOs in development, focusing on the case of a country like South Africa. Using a qualitative method, the chapter relies on a review of the available literature on the roles of NGOs in developing countries with a specific reference to South Africa. Explanatory case studies are considered to ascertain the role NGOs play in development. Specific cases of NGOs operating in local government in South Africa are examined with the aim of highlighting their contribution to the development and also identifying some of the challenges and opportunities available to them. The chapter concludes by suggesting some avenues that could be explored to enhance the role of NGOs in development in South Africa.

The Interface between the State and NGOs in Delivering Health Services in Zimbabwe—A Case of the MSF ART Programme

“…Through this theory, this study explores how the delegation of healthcare service delivery to NGOs such as MSF exerts an impact on the government's ability to achieve its healthcare goals and how this partnership addresses issues of accountability, information sharing, and interests. It is the duty of the government to ensure a well-structured and coordinated involvement of non-state actors to avoid the 'dangers of special interest politics' [1]. This study analyses the interests of both the principal and the agent (the government of Zimbabwe, represented by the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC), and MSF, respectively).…”

“…In this case study, the MSF was supposed to work with the MoHCC of Zimbabwe at the national, provincial, and district level to avoid discord through parallel structures. In summary there is need for promotion of effective communication and cooperation among all the actors involved in health delivery, such as NGOs, the local community, and national and local governments [1].…”

“…In the realm of global health, the interface between governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) has emerged as a dynamic arena of collaboration and contention. NGOs have become major role players alongside governments, especially in low-and middle-income countries, in fulfilling the social contract between people and their governments [1,2]. This intricate partnership, often seen as pivotal to healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings [1,3,4], holds the potential to address critical health challenges, where healthcare systems grapple with multifaceted challenges [5].…”

“…NGOs have become major role players alongside governments, especially in low-and middle-income countries, in fulfilling the social contract between people and their governments [1,2]. This intricate partnership, often seen as pivotal to healthcare delivery in resource-constrained settings [1,3,4], holds the potential to address critical health challenges, where healthcare systems grapple with multifaceted challenges [5]. One notable player in this field, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), has earned international acclaim for its commitment to providing vital healthcare services to vulnerable populations across the globe [6].…”

“…Zimbabwe experiences many challenges, such as weak coordination mechanisms in terms of aid, donor dependency, and lagging in providing universal access to treatment, care, and support for HIV/AIDS patients. The collaboration between the state and NGOs in healthcare delivery is often two-faced, presenting opportunities for innovation and progress but also raising questions about accountability, sustainability, and the allocation of resources [1]. Within this context, the MSF ART programme serves as a compelling case study through which to explore the broader issues surrounding the partnership between governments and NGOs in healthcare.…”