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The AIDS of aid?: long-term organisation challenges of a CBO dealing with HIV/AIDS, poverty and donor aid

The following treatise first frames the role of CBOs in responding to the HIV/Aids crisis in relation to their position in the global health governance system through a literature survey that moves from an analysis of the global structures down to the local. The survey covers the role of international organisations, international NGOs (INGOs), national governments, local NGOs and CBOs and outlines the context in which Masizakhe is working within the global health governance structure. Secondly the research design and methodology are outlined focusing on the longitudinal, case study and participant--‐observation approaches. Hypotheses, conceptualisation, definitions, key variables are described and data collection methods and fieldwork practice extrapolated upon. Following that data capturing, editing and analysis are discussed in conjunction with shortcomings and sources of error. In the fourth chapter the research discusses the history, structure and outlines the research findings by comparing what has changed within the organisation over time, presenting and discussing the results. The outcomes of this research have shown that existing problems in this particular CBO are very difficult to overcome without committed, sustained support from donors, government, community and the organisation’s members. CBOs are often hamstrung by a series of intersecting factors which hamper their ability to problem--‐solve, even when the route to overcoming the problem is clear, particularly when the capacity and will to do so is not always present from both within the organisation and from outside support systems. These challenges then impact on the overall quality of and ability to deliver the services the organisation is structured to deliver. The major challenge for the organisation remains the inconsistent donor cycle and resultant instability thus created within an organisation already working in a highly volatile, unstable situation marked by poverty and disease. Thus the title, The Aids of Aid?, captures the essence of Masizakhe’s struggle with its own syndrome of problems. It summarises a comment made by the project secretary said that: “Sometimes it feels like we are not only fighting for the health of our people – We are fighting for the health of our organisation. We are a sick organisation trying to help sick people. All we need is donors and funding –we can’t live without them, and when they don't give, we get sick” (Stamper, Pers Comm, 2011). The other emergent challenges were a battle internally with ‘founder syndrome’, lack of management transparency and a dysfunctional board.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:nmmu/vital:9103
Date January 2012
CreatorsShelver, Amy
PublisherNelson Mandela Metropolitan University, Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis, Masters, MA
Formatix, 130, 18 leaves, pdf
RightsNelson Mandela Metropolitan University

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