The impact of the state and the donors on second generation NGOs : a study on the conflict of interests between the state, the NGOs and the donors in the civil society.

Abstract

This study seeks to investigate the impact of the state and the donors on Second Generation NGOs. The study argues that the state and the donors have an impact on Second Generation NGOs which tend to change the basic intentions of the latter. If the state is supportive of democratic social reform, it may have a positive impact on the civil society. If it is against democratic reform, it may have a negative impact on the civil society. As the NGO sector is part of the civil society, its behaviour can be influenced by the way the state relates to the civil society. Donors influence the behaviour of the NGOs through the conditions which they impose when they provide their funds. This study argues that such conditions have, to a large extent, a negative impact on the behaviour of the NGOs, though in some cases they are necessary due to the need to control the opportunistic behaviour of NGO officials. The study concludes that the state, the NGOs and the donors must work together as mutual partners whose main intention is to develop and enhance the welfare of grassroots people. The partnership must include the grassroots people because true development is participatory. The meaningfulness of such partnership is grounded in Christian ethical values of community life.

Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 1999.