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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Challenges to progressive service organizations: Planact of South Africa |
Author: | Beauregard, Robert A. |
Year: | 1995 |
Periodical: | The Community Development Journal: An International Journal for Community Workers |
Volume: | 30 |
Issue: | 4 |
Pages: | 364-371 |
Language: | English |
Geographic term: | South Africa |
Subjects: | NGO action groups |
External link: | http://search.proquest.com/pao/docview/1304156502 |
Abstract: | Technical service organizations that work with poor and disempowered communities face formidable challenges. Funding is an ongoing concern, relationships with clients pose numerous political as well as technical difficulties, staff retention is problematic, and issues of identity and internal governance are always open to debate. This paper explores the challenges faced by Planact, an organization located in Johannesburg (South Africa) which originated in 1985, as it experiences the transition from revolutionary struggle to electoral success. Planact was established to provide technical assistance to black civic associations and trade unions resisting the apartheid regime. Over the years, Planact has accommodated to a changing environment. It moved away from the total internal democracy that it had initially embraced and adapted to the forces of change by becoming more like a private sector firm. Moreover, Planact faced increasing demands from its clients to be more accountable, particularly as regards empowerment. Still, it has not sacrificed its political fervor and ideological integrity. Ref., sum. |