28 Mar 2017

Some Ngamiland civil societies have showered the outgoing Ngamiland Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (NCONGO) chief director, Mr Monametsi Sokwe with accolades for serving the community diligently and his sterling contribution in the development of the region.
They praised him during a farewell party held at the Chief’s Island guest house in Maun. The event attracted some NCONGO board members, members of the civil societies, friends, family and well wishers.
Mr Sokwe, who served the organisation for five years, would be resigning end of March to join the USAID-Southern Africa where he was offered a job. He joined the organisation while it was in its nascent stage and in the past five years, he has seen the transition of NCONGO from a small organisation into a brand that has supported the growth of many of its NGO members in the Ngamiland.
Speakers during the event described him as a remarkable, selfless leader who served the community of Ngamiland with love and respect. They wished his successor could follow in his footprints.
They said he had the interest of the organisation at heart and also believed in quality service delivery. They said civil societies struggled to secure funding for their daily operations, but that Mr Sokwe through his sound proposals ensured that they get assisted.
The chairperson of the NCONGO board, Mr Themba Bitsang explained that Mr Sokwe has made the organisation vibrant through his good networking skills. He said NCONGO was visible locally and internationally because of his hard work and commitment.
He said while some organisations around the country were collapsing, Mr Sokwe played a key role in ensuring that Ngamiland organisations stay stable and afloat.
NCONGO was established to serve as the umbrella body of Ngamiland Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in matters related to sustainable social and economic development. This includes HIV and AIDS activities and organisations, but is not exclusively limited to this issue. NCONGO covers the Ngami and Okavango sub-districts within the North West District and the Chobe District . 
Mr Bitsang revealed that the organisation made strides in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
The board treasurer, Mr Siyoka Masiku assured the gathering that the person who would replace him would not disappoint, adding that they had hired a young person who would deliver up to the communities expectations.
He mentioned some of Mr Sokwe’s achievements such as the successful implementation of Tweende Youth Education and Empowerment and Taxi talk condom distribution projects.
On behalf of NCONGO staff, Ms Lame Olebile described Mr Sokwe as a charismatic leader who had a clear vision and willing to make a difference in the lives of people.
She said Mr Sokwe was energetic and passionate about what he was doing adding that many learnt a lot from him. She said he would be remembered by many as his leadership on national and international platforms has insured that organisations and social movement in the Ngamiland have gained recognition as essential partners in the development of the North West District.
The outgoing executive director brought various projects to the Ngamiland which focused on increasing the capacity of NGOs to manage their organisations, supporting the coordination of the creative industries and laying the foundation for human rights discourses.
For his part, Mr Sokwe thanked all NGOs and other stakeholders for the support which made him to deliver up to customers’ expectations. He explained that he learnt a lot from the organisation as he joined it without managerial skills. ENDS