BOCONGO vows to expose Govt's misdeeds

Chairman of Botswana Council of Non-Governmental Organisations (BOCONGO), Oscar Motsumi has explained the role of civil societies as to hold government and other players to account, adding this will not be negotiable. Speaking at the opening of the annual NGO Week at Travel Lodge in Gaborone, Motsumi said NGOs must interrogate and investigate the government’s misdeeds and give people hope.

“People need a vision to at least have a sense that they have a shared future in the country. What is the reality of the Civil Society in Botswana? We have a fragmented Civil Society that follows the money path and the agenda set by Development Partners and donors. Is this sustainable for the movement,” asked Motsumi.

Motsumi said civil society must see themselves as equal partners at the negotiating table with the government and the Private Sector. “Maybe it is time we looked at crafting strategic partnerships with the above entities. Vision 2036 is a classic example where we can partner with Government to deliver on the aspirations espoused in the same document. It’s been one year literally since it was launched, how far are we with implementation.

The hand in bowl or beggar mentality must change,” he said. Accoring to Motsumi civil socities have the ability to reach every nook and cranny of this country because they know where the people are. “Where is our voice on the recent closure of the mines? Where are the ex-miners who have contributed to the development of this country?

Where are their children? Where are those who are taking ARVs? Do they still access and enjoy the health care services,” asked Motsumi. In her official opening address, Chief Executive Officer of Bona Life Insurance Company, Reginah Vaka-Sikalesele said NGOs are very important sectors in the growth of the economy. “A lot of NGOs are still stuck in the past of relying on donors but the time has arrived for you to change,” she said.

She urged the civil society organisations to engage in social enterprise so that they can generate own revenue given that donors are deserting the country as it is perceived a high middle income economy.Motsumi also prodded NGOs to be vocal on the Sexual Violence that women and children endure on a daily basis. “Do we have the Stay Power? What happened to the #We Shall Never Forget Movement? Maybe they were right when they said ‘Batswana Ba Lebala Ka Bonako’…Gape go tlalanyana daa,’’ added Motsumi.