The objective of the study is accordingly to provide credible, evidence-based arguments to inform the policy debate around public funding of CAOs in South Africa. Three fundamental research components are included: a desk-based review of the development of the CAO sector, a comprehensive fieldwork based qualitative and quantitative analysis of the current role and challenges of existing CAOs in South Africa, and a cost-benefit analysis which considers the economic argument in favour of core funding, by the state towards South African CAOs.