This collection of stories of change brings together various short vignettes from community based organizations in South Africa under five key themes from programme work in country.

The key areas of focus of these stories are: food security and livelihoods; active citizenship; gender and vulnerability; embracing community complexity; and partnerships. These are all crucial areas in the way Oxfam Australia works with partners in South Africa, which were identified from the extensive 'No Longer Vulnerable Program Midterm Review'. The overall aim of this document is to create a collection of high quality, compelling stories that complement other sources of data, and can be used for learning and profiling.

The collection includes snapshots of small but significant occurrences in the work of South African programme partners that when viewed cumulatively provide a rich insight into the success and unintended consequences of programmes. These are not intended to be positive stories only, as it is believed that a collection of ‘failures’ is as important to the learning and knowledge-creation process as are successes. The project was undertaken with a small team of young writers of mixed experience to bring in different voices while having a strong up-skilling dimension. The process included consultation with the programmes team, and interviews with partners.

This document is one of a number of publications highlighting NGO good practice and emerging issues from partner organizations supported by Oxfam in South Africa.