NGOs operations in Matabeleland dwindle

NANGO has claimed that many organisations in the region are finding the going tough as the financial resources for NGOs and CSOs continue to dwindle.

The organisation said operation levels for many organisations have been very low with the hard hit ones having been forced to close down - a sad chapter in the civil society world.

"As part of survival strategies, some have scaled down in terms of personnel whilst others are relying on interns and volunteers. On the positive side, the hard conditions are somehow bringing the organisations together as they are united by a common characteristic of being broke. In the past weeks emails and phone calls have been busy, differences thrown away and collaborations forged in a bid to establish consortiums and coalitions towards mobilising resources," NANGO said.

"Many are responding to a number of calls for proposals and concept notes from donors. What is exciting about these collaborations is that the usually 'smaller' organisations are somehow finding pockets of space in the consortiums-a signifier that finally their community level presence, connection and experience is finally being recognised."

NANGO said in the past three years, NANGO Western region has been facilitating establishment of consortiums so as to encouraged collaborated efforts and coordination in the NGO sector.

"Although these were established in Gwanda, Plumtree, Lupane, Binga and Hwange, challenges facing these consortiums have continued to weaken civil society in the region. It is high time organisations understand that the era for being totally reliant on donor funding is over as innovation and enterprise is where survival lies. Resources have been diminishing and donor interests shifting hence alternative sources of funding should be explored. The region needs to re-invent itself, rethink its development agenda and strengthen collaborations for the effective development and Social Change to be a reliant," NANGO said.