13 Mar 2013

The executive director of Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO), Mr Monametsi Sokwe says his organisation has grown and its presence continues to be realised in the district.

He said as the umbrella coalition that represents the voice of all the civil societies and non-governmental organisations in Ngamiland, it started from humble beginnings with two volunteers.

Mr Sokwe explained that when NCONGO was founded in 2008, two volunteers manned all the administration and management of the coalition under the secretariat of Love Botswana.

“Now the coalition has spread wings with a total membership of 50, which includes NGOs, private sectors and trusts”.

He explained that ther mandate included, among others, assisting member organisations with capacity building and training; representing them with one voice at district and national level, particularly at policy level; networking and resource mobilisation.

Mr Sokwe added that recently the organisation created a platform for discussion of pertinent issues in the district ranging from HIV and AIDS, gender based violence and to an extent, the environment.

He emphasised that the gap that existed here before in the civil societies would soon be a thing of the past, although he acknowledged the challenges faced by his organisation.

“NCONGO is a member of various committees such as the District Multi-sectorial HIV/AIDS, Safe Male Circumcision and tuberculosis where they provide technical guidance and direction”, he explained.

He also appreciated the government’s efforts to approve the NGO policy, saying they were ready to implement it.

Mr Sokwe however complained about some government departments and stakeholders in the district who undermine the organisation.

“NCONGO has been in existence for five years this year with a complement of nine staff members”,  he said.

He pointed out that NCONGO opened another office in Shakawe last year to provide services to all civil society organisations based in that area. 

NCONGO is among the eight organisations that received funding from USAID last year for a five year project which is expected to end in 2016.

He appreciated all the support from their members and other stakeholders, saying it had contributed immensely to the growth of the organisation. ENDS