Interrogating power, information and distortion

By Gabriella Razzano

The role of non-governmental organisations in advancing access to information is a vital one. Often, such organisations act as powerful advocates in the pursuit of information - particularly from the state - on behalf of citizens. However, this role is not necessarily as cut and dry as we would like it to be.

The Good Governance Learning Network has just released a fantastic publication entitled: "(Re)claiming Local Democratic Space: Perspective from civil society on local governance in South Africa".

And within this publication ODAC took the opportunity (from page 26 to 33) to critically examine the potentially profound role non-governmental organisations can play in accessing information, but also how they need to remain cognisant of the power they yield in such situations to prevent distortion. You can read more here.