South Africa has a rich history of civil society involvement in community development and activism.  The new government’s approach to governance and democracy encourages the continuation of this tradition.  Many NGOs and other civil society organisations have not survived the often turbulent transition of the ’90s, but those which have, have an important role to play as the country seeks to redress the inequalities of the past.  Only in partnership with organised civil society can government build the kind of prosperous and caring society which it intends to build. The Mvula Trust has gained considerable experience, both in partnership with government, as well as in promoting and facilitating partnerships between community based organisations and government, business and NGOs. The Mvula Trust is thus well placed to assist local government to structure appropriate partnership arrangements with the private sector, which also involve organised civil society to ensure cost effectiveness and sustainability.