Beyond the Rhetoric: Assessing the role of NGO-Led Poverty Eradication Initiatives in the Qwaqwa Region, South Africa

Abstract

This study examined the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in alleviating poverty in Qwa-Qwa, a rural area in the Eastern Free State, South Africa. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research utilised purposive sampling to select thirteen participants, including NGO representatives, officials from the Department of Social Development (DSD), and a municipal Local Economic Development (LED) manager. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed thematically using Braun and Clarke’s (2022) six-phase approach. Findings reveal that NGOs contribute significantly to poverty reduction through strategies such as Community Nutrition and Development Centres, short-term employment creation, and collaborative initiatives with government and private stakeholders. The study concludes that intentional, well-coordinated partnerships, coupled with financial and skills support, are essential for NGOs to address poverty effectively. It also emphasises the value of recognising community assets, advocating for the view of communities as active agents. NGOs should be empowered as catalysts for sustainable poverty eradication in rural contexts.