A study of organisations and their responses to the social needs of Mbekweni

Crawford, Margaret Jane

A study of organisations and their responses to the social needs of Mbekweni

Master Thesis

1989

Publisher

University of Cape Town

Department

Department of Social Development

Faculty

Faculty of Humanities

Abstract

This study examines Human Service Organisations and community organisations operating in Mbekweni during the period January to June 1988. These organisations were examined in order to identify the characteristics that distinguish them from each other in as far as service delivery is concerned. The community based organisations were found to be orientated towards mutual-aid and self-help model whilst the Human Service organisations were orientated towards the service model. This study will also highlight the complex nature of Mbekweni which has been approached by different organisations delivering social services. An integrated developmental model is proposed that could form the basis for private voluntary human service organisations. The model is based on: the participation by beneficiaries of services being involved in the decision making process; and the client of this approach being the group or community. The delivery of services would take place in and by groups. An important element in the model would be the inclusion of trained Developmental Workers who would act as enablers, facilitators, educators and resource persons. This model will emphasise factors that could be incorporated in the designing, planning and administration of private voluntary human service organisations operating in black urbanising communities.