FORMATIVE ACTIVITY $2$: HARNESSING NONGOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS

Nongovernment organisations do not only lobby on behalf of interest groups, or trip up public servants attempting to carry out their duties. They serve in many roles that should be taken into account in strategic planning, as they are frequently home to skills the public sector lacks, and form a conduit to people that the public sector would otherwise not reach.

The South African Poultry Association is a case in point. Its CEO, a specialist on phytosanitary standards and a skilled negotiator, helped South Africa$$s ambassador to the World Trade Organisation on behalf of the broad spectrum of agriculture in settling protracted talks on the African Growth and Opportunity Act $($Regenesys$,2016).$

In this case the greater public interest was served without racking up enormous consultancy fees. In other cases, nongovernment bodies can act as sounding boards, spread news of impending change, alert the government to the need for change, canvass communities on plans, and act as a watchdog when public servants$$ actions are not aligned to government$$s vision, mission or values.

US$242904$ SO$1,$ AC$2$

$[$Total marks: $27]$