A number of Norwegian non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are working in partnership with South African counterparts, supporting the development of a strong civil society in South Africa. The Norwegian NGOs receive up to 90 % funding for such co-operation from Norad (the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation).
The Embassy does not have a budget line for direct support to South African NGOs. Apllications must go directly to Norad in Oslo (www.norad.no).
Norad's guidelines on direct support to civil society
A democratic development that benefits the majority of the population requires the active participation from a diversified civil society. Civil society actors can strengthen the voices of the poor, empower them and enhance popular participation in development processes. They may serve as a corrective to government policies and offer alternative development strategies. Civil society may also enhance and contribute to the development efforts of the state.
The state, the private sector and civil society are the main arenas of development. Norad will relate to all three of these based on an analysis of the situation in each partner country. The relationship to civil society will partly be through Norwegian and international organisations and in some cases direct to national organisations through our embassies.
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