In the past, non-formal education in South Africa was committed to supporting the Mass Democratic Movement (MDM) in opposition to apartheid. Such non-formal political education was concerned with education for democracy. Post 1994, South African adult education policy has exclusively concentrated on vocational training, shifting the focus away from social purpose education. However, democracy is a process and a system that needs to be constantly nurtured and sustained. This requires citizens who know their constitutional rights and responsibilities and, more importantly, know how to put them into action. In view of this, I decided to enquire what kind of education currently exists that aims to build an active civil society by promoting social justice and social reconstruction. The field research reported in this article was conducted in Cape Town during May 2005 and May 2006.