04 Jan 2016

Ngamiland traditional leaders in collaboration with the Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO) are expected to work collectively to ensure that the Ngami rights project produces the desired results.

The NCONGO chief executive officer, Mr Monametsi Sokwe said dikgosi as custodians of communities were expected to take the leading role in the implementation of the project by mobilising people to get first hand information regarding issues of human rights.

The Ngami rights project was launched recently and its main objective is to sensitise the community about human rights related issues.

The project is sponsored by the European Union (EU) to the tune of P1.4 million and is expected to run for three consecutive years.

The project will focus on civic education and human rights in Ngamiland.

He said workshops would be conducted throughout the district to impart information and knowledge about human rights, and that there were many issues of concern such as rape, defilement, child abuse and domestic violence.

Mr Sokwe revealed that the EU wants to see the project running smoothly and people being proud to understand their rights.

The project is implemented by NCONGO and its four member organisations namely Bana ba Letsatsi, Trust for Okavango Cultural and Development Initiatives TOCaDI, BOFWA, Thuso Rehabilitation Centre.

TOCaDI, a trust for Okavango Cultural and Development Initiatives would focus on land access and acquisition.

TOCaDI is a non-profit making development organisation based in Shakawe in Okavango and aims to utilise all possible strategies to assist firstly, but not exclusively, the San to get access to land and other resources needed for their survival.

TOCaDI’s efforts focus upon mobilisation of the people into community organisations that could apply for and manage the resources in a sustainable way.

The coordinator of TOCaDI, Mr Galefele Maokeng explained that the acquisition of land was a gift which should be used to earn a living.

He said he believed that local communities, including the indigenous minority, should have access to land and benefit from the natural resources within their localities.

He said the Ngamiland region has heritages such as the Okavango Delta, but that communities were poverty stricken despite the wealth they have.

“It is not good to pride ourselves with rich natural resources which we are not benefiting from.  I believe it is our right to stand up and speak with one voice regarding our wealth in Ngami,” he added.

The project aims to ensure protection for the vulnerable population, the community at large and also promote dignity and worth of a person in everything that they do.

Some dikgosi welcomed the project,  saying it came at the right time as many people lack knowledge on issues of human rights.

They assured the organisers to join hands with them and make sure it makes a difference in the district. ENDS