South African civil society, having played a decisive role in defeating Apartheid, establishing our Constitutional democracy and system of participatory governance, remain steadfast in our commitment to people-centred development and democracy. Our rich history as diverse formations which promote, respect and defend the rights, culture and dignity of all people within the framework of the Bill of Rights, as enshrined in the South African Constitution, unites our collective efforts for just, equitable, free, peaceful and prosperous society. We promote civil society by uniting and strengthening the NGO sector, enabling it to  effectively influence development policy and advocate for programmes that meet the needs of the nation, particularly the poor, marginal, vulnerable and excluded.

Democracy and development are inseparable from the realisation of the full potential of each and every individual in society. Civil society, and the non-profit sector especially, represents the self-activity and realisation of our peoples self-agency. United in these noble objectives; steadfast in our shared values and determined to build and strengthen our sector and the communities we serve; we hereby adopt the following Constitution.