NEPAD and Civil Society in South Africa: Buying in without selling out

The New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) is widely regarded in South Africa as the signature tune of Thabo Mbeki's presidency. This article argues that NEPAD offers, if nothing else, at least the opportunity for South African civil society organisations to collaborate with like-minded groups across borders in Africa, thereby increasing their political leverage as a democratic counterweight to African governments. It is this process – rather than uncritical selling or outright dismissal of the NEPAD brandname – which will contribute towards better governance in Africa, with all its benefits for human security and development.