Push For Policies' Implementation, NGOs told

GOITSEONE KGOPANA
Correspondent | Monday June 22, 2009 00:00

Speaking at the closing ceremony for the 2009 NGO Week last Thursday, former BOCONGO chairperson, Phillip Makgalemele said: 'I am hopeful that in the coming months, there will be intensified lobbying to conclude the matter.'

Makgalemele stated that NGO week is an event which provides an opportunity for NGOs to come together to showcase their work to their respective communities as well as weigh the extent and value of their contribution to the development of the country.

The former NGO official also encouraged stakeholders to make concerted efforts that will cater for new demands and expectations, which come with their own unique challenges.

During the evening, BOCONGO's HIV and AIDS programme and its mainstreaming project were launched by Martin Mosima, the Forum Syd Country Programme Coordinator.

Mosima said that they have been working with a P41 million budget on the project that focuses on institutional strapping by giving organisations opportunities to deliver services that are mandatory to assist with HIV and AIDS issues. 'The goal is for the networks to work together which is a unique thing in Africa for four different entities to work harmoniously together,' he said.

The four networks involved are, BONASO, which works with district NGOs to establish district coalitions such as DAMSAC, BONELA, a human rights organisation dealing with issues such as stigma against People Living with HIV/AIDS and sexual minorities; BONEPWA, a support organisation for people living with AIDS and BOCONGO, which is supported within NGOs that do not necessarily deal with AIDS. It is aimed to strengthen those organisations that don't deal with HIV/AIDS by providing facilitation of HIV work place programmes that are in line with national frameworks and monitor NGO progress for the workplace policies.