South African Nongovernmental Organizations NGOs are filling the gaps of public service to communities; doing some of the work government can do, or raising social issues that the government may not address.  The NGOs are social change agents and work in many areas of life.  The purpose of the case study is to identify NGO capacity-building opportunities, address community empowerment, and focus more attention on clean water sustainability.

       Some NGOs are criticized for satisfying donor driven attitudes and international lobbyists in the First World.  Some feel it may not be possible to have an independent outlook or mission if NGOs rely solely on donor’s funds. Because of their dependence on this money, their accountability may be shifted 'upward’, rather than where it ought to be, 'downward below at indigenous people.  In recent years, many large corporations have increased their corporate social responsibility (CSR) departments in an attempt to preempt NGO campaigns against certain corporate practices. In the past government often influenced, the idea of corporate citizenship but this has changed; NGOs are becoming essential partners in the delivery of products and services to the private sector and indeed on behalf of the state. Linked to this is the creation of a range of development agencies that operate in a collaborative way between the Public and Private sectors.

    Catholic Relief Services (CRS) defines capacity building as an ongoing process that individual, group, organizations and societies enhance their ability to identify and meet development challenges.  According to CRS, capacity-building activity comprises three key elements:

1.     Partnership

2.     Organizational development

3.     Civil society strengthening

     Similarly, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) defines capacity building as a long-term, continual process of development that involves all stakeholders; including ministries, local authorities, nongovernmental organizations, professionals, community members, academics and more. Capacity building uses a country’s human, technological, organizational, and resource capabilities. The goal of capacity building is to tackle problems related to policy and methods of development, while considering the potential, limits and needs of the people of the country concerned.