The Co-operative and Policy Alternative Center (COPAC) was formed in 1999 as a grassroots development organisation. It began with the ambition to contribute, through a bottom up practice, to reconstruction and development in post-apartheid South Africa. It has thus orientated itself to build capacity amongst poor communities to achieve self reliant, collectively driven, sustainable and participatory development. As a non-governmental organisation it was initially established as an association governed by a constitution with a governing committee. In 2001 it registered as a not-for-profit section 21 company. During this time it expanded its operations, opened an office and strengthened its board. As COPAC pursued its objectives it has worked with progressive social movements, government departments, township communities and has partnered with several non-governmental organisations.
COPAC was never intended to be a large organisation. Its emphasis has been on program based project interventions guided by grassroots needs. As a result, it has never built a large bureaucracy. It has worked with a core staff of 3-4 people over the years, brought in volunteers and has assembled project teams, with the required technical expertise, as and when required. Most of its staff have also had a strong activist orientation and practice.
Partnerships, networking and solidarity building is crucial for COPAC’s practice.
COPAC functions with policies and legal procedures defined by its board, the main governing structure. Since its formation into a section 21 not-for-profit company in 2003, COPAC’s governance practice has been informed by the legal requirements contained in its memorandum and articles of association. Its board meets regularly during each year and it has made important policy and strategic decisions that guide the organisation.
Anne Sugrue is a leading environmental activist in the country and was the main visionary guiding the Eco-City Trust project in Ivory Park.
Dorah Marema has worked for many years as the Executive Director of the Greenhouse Project in Johannesburg. She is a leading gender, food and environmental justice activist.
Jacklyn Cock is a WITS academic. She is one of the founders of Earthlife Africa, is a key climate jobs campaigner and a leading feminist theorist.
Vishwas Satgar is a WITS academic and has been an activist for over 30 years. He co-founded COPAC and now chairs the board.
COPAC is a not-for-profit section 21 Company.
Our vision is to build human solidarity to sustain
life and a grassroots driven, just transition for
system change