January/February 2024 Examination
DVA4803
Governance and Development
100 Marks
Duration 4 Hours
Start: 29 January 2024 at 14:00 hours
End: 29 January 2024 at 18:00 hours
Question 4
Do you agree with the statement that civil society organisations can aid
development if fully included/incorporated in the development agenda?
Elaborate your answer with practical examples.
, Introduction
Civil society organisations (CSOs) are non-governmental, non-profit and voluntary
groups that represent the interests and values of citizens in various domains, such as
human rights, environment, health, education, culture and democracy. CSOs can play
a vital role in promoting development in Africa, especially if they are fully included and
incorporated in the development agenda. This essay will argue that CSOs can aid
development in Africa by enhancing accountability, participation, service delivery and
social capital. It will also provide some practical examples of how CSOs have
contributed to development outcomes in different African countries.
Role of CSOs in Human Rights
For instance, in the realm of human rights, CSOs in Africa serve as a real force capable
of countering state power. They function as mediators between the state and society,
playing a significant role in promoting democracy and monitoring human rights.
Despite the challenges posed by the lack of democracy and the prevalence of
authoritarianism in some regions, African CSOs have adopted universally
acknowledged human rights discourses to push for social change.
CSOs in the Fight Against Corruption
Moreover, CSOs have been pivotal in the fight against corruption in Africa. The Black
Monday Movement in Uganda, a coalition of local NGOs and civil society groups, has
been actively highlighting the effects of corruption and pressing public officials to act.
This movement, among others, has led to the emergence of new approaches and
tactics in combating corruption.
DVA4803
Governance and Development
100 Marks
Duration 4 Hours
Start: 29 January 2024 at 14:00 hours
End: 29 January 2024 at 18:00 hours
Question 4
Do you agree with the statement that civil society organisations can aid
development if fully included/incorporated in the development agenda?
Elaborate your answer with practical examples.
, Introduction
Civil society organisations (CSOs) are non-governmental, non-profit and voluntary
groups that represent the interests and values of citizens in various domains, such as
human rights, environment, health, education, culture and democracy. CSOs can play
a vital role in promoting development in Africa, especially if they are fully included and
incorporated in the development agenda. This essay will argue that CSOs can aid
development in Africa by enhancing accountability, participation, service delivery and
social capital. It will also provide some practical examples of how CSOs have
contributed to development outcomes in different African countries.
Role of CSOs in Human Rights
For instance, in the realm of human rights, CSOs in Africa serve as a real force capable
of countering state power. They function as mediators between the state and society,
playing a significant role in promoting democracy and monitoring human rights.
Despite the challenges posed by the lack of democracy and the prevalence of
authoritarianism in some regions, African CSOs have adopted universally
acknowledged human rights discourses to push for social change.
CSOs in the Fight Against Corruption
Moreover, CSOs have been pivotal in the fight against corruption in Africa. The Black
Monday Movement in Uganda, a coalition of local NGOs and civil society groups, has
been actively highlighting the effects of corruption and pressing public officials to act.
This movement, among others, has led to the emergence of new approaches and
tactics in combating corruption.
