The HSRC, in partnership with the FHR, were successful in their bid for the development of three research papers as commissioned by the NDA. Civil society organizations – from formalized and well-resourced non-government organizations such as think tanks and research bodies, to less formalized and less well-resourced community-based organizations (CBOs) – play a vital role in helping to shape the trajectory and nature of the social, political and economic development of the country. A capable, ethical and developmental state cannot be achieved without an active and fully participating civil society sector, which represents those vulnerable and marginalized communities who struggle to have their voices heard in South Africa.

The NDA commissioned the HSRC and the FHR to develop three research papers on subjects closely related to the sustainability of civil society organizations in South Africa. Given its previous experience and expertise, the FHR has undertaken to lead on one of these papers, a project titled “Regulatory frameworks requirements for the South African civil society sector to promote their active participation in a developmental state.”