Water For Justice

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF NGOs IN DEMOCRATIZATION OF SOCIETY?

Trends in the political, social and economic sphere of society continue to shape the role that is played by Non-governmental organisations within society. Challenges such as abject poverty, hunger and famine also pose a great challenge on the role that NGOs play as non-state actors. It therefore poses a question as to whether NGOs are on track in their exercise of oversight over governments and their holding them accountable. NGO Update Reporter talked to the secretary general of the SADC Council of NGOs, Mr Abie Ditlhake.

UD: What meaningful role should NGOs and civil society organisations play in advancing the course of poverty eradication and other predicaments that confront society?

ED: It varies from country to country. The strength of NGOs lies in communities. They have to bring the voice of communities on board when polices are formulated. Though lobbying and advocacy, putting pressure on government to develop pro-poor policies.

UD: Are NGOs performing this role successfully, and if not what are the challenges?

ED: Different developments in different countries. Special attention must be place on poverty hearings. This is where the NGOs embark on people’s budget, get responses of the poor people. There is a trend for a regional parliament for NGOs that looks at failures, nature of poverty and putting pressure on government to respond to those. This remains a challenge as to what it is effect and the answer is NO. It is not done to its full might. NGOs should take stock of developments and their situations and also maximize on the strengths. It is not only through the NGO week that we should be meeting here. An effort must be taken to meet provincial or districts talk to the people and get to know their probates. Also critical is the nature of leadership in NGOs.

UD: What are the serous challenges that are facing NGOs in the SADC region in the execution of the oversight function and holding governments accountable?

ED: In many ways, NGOs are succeeding in what they are doing. But they can do better in holding government accountable to ensure that it is transparent. The president of the NGO movement should travel around the country, meet people get to k known their concerns. What particular problem is funding there are no enough resources.

NU: The SADC region is plagued by many predicaments – political and socio-cultural. Taking Zimbabwe, he Democratic Republic of Congo, Swaziland and Lesotho – does this reflect the failure of NGOs in these areas?

ED: They are not doing enough. They should be drawing scenario mapping to look at different challenges. They should also be visionary in their role looking at the long-term. But most of the time they are more reactive to issues that they care proactive.

NU: Do NGOs get recognition from governments; if not what could be the reason?

ED: Unfortunately, there are government’s perceptions of NGOs. While NGOs are tying to prove they are dong enough, governments expect them to implement their own programmes not to criticize or point loopholes. It is a mixed bag of issues.

NGOs are engaged in deepening the roots of democracy in fronts such as good governance, respect for human rights and rule of law. Do they fare well in these fronts and is there good governance within NGOs themselves?

ED: They are doing more on democracy particularly in human rights, but they react when crises have occurred. There are no sustainable programmes that address issues and could predict situations before they occur. They have a long way to go. They should have good governance within themselves. They cannot point finders at others when they do not practice that. They should crate confidence in their work form those they are serving.

UD: What is the future of NGOs?

ED: There is need for more improvements. They have to be defined add need grassroots orientation. They have to design pro-poor policies that address concerns of communities they work with. The actual challenges are poverty.