Each of these functions is critical. When state policies and programmes do not address adequately the needs of the poor and vulnerable, CSOs come in and represent the interest of these groups without fear or favour.
Defending citizens’ rights is an important function in nations riddled with conflict and political crisis. Defending rights involves CSOs performing monitoring and watchdog functions to make the state and its functionaries accountable. Admittedly, performing these functions can bring CSOs into conflict with government and donors, but genuine organisations are measured by their ability not to relinquish their functions for the sake of mollifying the government and donors.
CSOs become a danger to democracy and development when they participate in issues that hinder them from making a positive contribution to democracy and development.
Political co-option is one the documented vices of civil society. Co-option of CSOs is a strong instrument used by political parties to promote the political actors’ own anchorage on communities, thereby increasing their legitimacy. The co-option of CSOs is not only done by ruling political parties but also opposition parties. Political co-option increases the chances of the CSOs’ survival in a politically polarised environment as they receive political favours and preference by the political actors and some donors.
It limits their impartiality and ability to play a watchdog role and to defend and articulate citizen’s interests. The state of Zimbabwe’s civil society today is a sad one as some sections have negated their core principles and main functions and agreed to be co-opted into the coalition government. This is not only causing discord, but it is making them dysfunctional at a vital juncture in our history. – Maxwell Saungweme, by email
Post published in: Letters to the Editor