Date: 24/10/2005
Source: Free State Provincial Government
Title: Belot: Handing over of IT equipment to NGOs involved with HIV and AIDS programme
The speech of the Free State MEC for Health, Mr Sakhiwo Belot, on the occasion of the handing-over of information technology equipment to non-governmental organisations involved with the HIV and AIDS programme, Bloemfontein
Programme Director;
Honoured Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Three years ago the Department launched the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) funding programme for those NGOs involved in the battle against HIV and AIDS. Each financial year, we call for applications from non-governmental and community-based organisations, involved with HIV and AIDS work in the community, to submit proposals for funding. The HIV and AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Illnesses and Communicable Disease directorate in the department budgets an amount of R1 million for NGO and community-based organisation (CBO) funding per financial year and this year it was not different.
Many of us do not realise it, but the funding of NGOs and CBOs in the field of HIV and AIDS is part of the partnership campaign that was launched in October 1998. The thrust of this partnership is that government, NGOs, CBOs and faith-based organisations (FBOs) must join hands in the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB). We acknowledge and recognise that the NGOs, CBOs and FBOs are rendering essential services in their execution of certain aspects of the provincial HIV and AIDS and TB strategy on behalf of the Government through the Department of Health. As they operate at a grass-roots level, these structures are able to reach out to all the communities. Three years later we are still on course as regard this important programme. The NGO funding project in the Free State is running satisfactorily and the focus areas among others are:
* Information, Education and Communication or IEC;
* Counselling;
* Training;
* People Living with AIDS support services;
* Legal issues and consultation on HIV and AIDS;
* Rural programmes and outreach;
* In and out of school youth programmes;
* Women programmes; and
* Condom education, promotion and distribution.
Some of the organisations in Thabo Mafutsanyana who received training and funding were Sinethemba and the QwaQwa Association of Youth Clubs in QwaQwa and Dihlabeng Development Consortium in Bethlehem. The Moqhaka Consortuim, Maokeng Anti AIDS Organisation and others in the Fizile Dabi District were also supported. Boitelo organisation and Free State Anti AIDS Youth Club in Lejweleputswa amongst others, as well as the Alliance against HIV and AIDS and Ngenani Consortium in Motheo were among the recipients of funding and training. In Xhariep Kutlwesiso Support Group and Bethulie AIDS Association amongst others were also trained.
Ladies and Gentlemen, to date we have allocated R3 million over a period of three financial years to this project and in overall 47 different organisations benefited.
We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the program and in our analysis of the success of this project thus far, we have come to realise that organisations are struggling to complete their developmental plans mainly due to a lack of capacity. Capacity was identified as a major challenge for many NGOs, CBOs and FBOs. These organisations are providing a valuable service to communities by engaging in voluntary counselling and testing, community home-based care, providing support in the Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) programme and HIV and AIDS prevention awareness campaigns. However, there was a lack of skills with regards to project management, financial management, human resource and general management skills.
In order to sustain the project, the Department engaged the generous support of the Development Co-operation Ireland or DCI in order to capacitate these organisations to improve their chances of funding from the department. Funding to the value of R3.7 million were made available over a period of three years and this in turn enabled us to comply with the requirements set to government with regards to the administration of public funds as encapsulated in the Public Finance Management Act or PFMA as it is better known.
Areas in which training were provided focussed on practical skills such as proposal writing, report writing and management of resources. Some 150 organisations participated in the capacity building training project. In order to ensure sustainability of the project, 24 master trainers were also trained who will continue training on behalf of the Department after completion of the Development Co-operation Ireland project.
With the generous support provided by Development Cooperation Ireland, 30 organisations today will receive computers and printers to ensure that they operate professionally and manage finances. The specially designed programme installed by the PriceWaterHouseCoopers, Gobodo and Marang Consortium. Computer literacy has increased with the training programme provided to recipients of this information technology equipment.
Program Director, Ladies and Gentlemen, the proper management of this funding within organisations are crucial. Rechanneling of allocated funds by NGOs is also not allowed. NGOs are required to follow the business plan that was submitted to the Department and approved. Deviation will result in the Department taking legal action against such NGOs or individuals. We must receive value for money in this funding. The battle against HIV and AIDS is an important battle which directly impacts on people’s lives. Therefore, no mismanagement will be tolerated. People living and affected by HIV and AIDS have their hopes in us. We dare not fail them. Let us do the work that we are expected to do with the necessary resources that we have been allocated. I have no doubt that this training and the resources handed over here today will go a long way in addressing the logistical needs of these structures in carrying out their HIV and AIDS work.
I want to remind NGOs that capacity building and training of volunteers is your primary responsibility. The Department as a partner would support NGOs in training. The Department would further assist NGOs in building their management capacity so as to ensure proper management and supervision of volunteers and sustainability of its programmes and projects. NGOs must ensure consistent communication between themselves and the volunteers to ensure that proper communication lines are followed. The Department shall communicate with NGOs and structures, not individual volunteers.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the various NGOs, CBOs and FBOs for the good work you are doing in our communities. I must underscore the fact that as government we value these partnerships that we are involved in with various stakeholders. Government certainly cannot do it alone. We are faced with enormous challenges across the board. For us to succeed in addressing these challenges we should really enter into a contract with all our people directly and indirectly through organisations of civil society such as yourselves. As we do all these we are also mindful of the legislative framework and policies within which we do things, lest we break the legal requirements.
Program Director, I want also to thank Development Co-operation Ireland for their willingness to professionally package and market the NGO policy which regulates partnerships between the Free State Department of Health and NGOs working with the Department. We must pursue this policy to the letter. This policy was a product of wide consultation with NGOs and all our stakeholders. Now that the policy has been approved we will further engage NGOs in ensuring that our obligations and those of NGOs are met. Again, let me thank you indeed.
Last but not least, may I call Nicolle McHugh from the Development Co-operation Ireland forward to assist me in the presentation of the computers to the recipient organisations.
I now call forward representatives from the following organisations:
* Sinethemba Youth Development: Qwaqwa
* Tshwarahanang HBC: Koppies
* Ngwathe HIV/AIDS Consortium: Parys
* Qwaqwa Assoc. of Youth Clubs: Qwaqwa
* Eletsanang: Bethlehem
* Rise and Shine: Welkom
* Phiritona/ Heilbron HBC: Heilbron
* Black Vision Theatre Ensemble: Bloemfontein
* Thespians: Bloemfontein
* GIPA(AME): Thaba Nchu
* Sekhutlong HBC: Botshabelo
* FS Positive Youth: Parys
* Kopano Home Based Care: Botshabel
* Mafube Consortium: Frankfort
* Bambanani: Fouriesburg
* FS Anti-AIDS Youth: Welkom
* Marquard Moemang Cons.: Marquard
* Tshepng Comm. Care Support Group: Odendalsrus
* Tshireletso Home Based Care: Hennenman
* Uncedo Home Based Care: Odendalsrus
* BCHCC Home Based Care: Botshabelo
* Leratong Home Based Care: Tweespruit
* Khothalang CBO: Winburg
* Barkenpark Dots Supporters: Bethlehem
* Masilonyana Consortium: Winburg
* Tshireletso Consotium: Wepener
* KAAHA: Koppies
* PWA Support Group: Bethlehem
* Boinehelo Home Based Care: Soutpan
* Kopano Home Based Care: Ficksburg
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
24 October 2005
Source: Free State Provincial Government
Title: Belot: Handing over of IT equipment to NGOs involved with HIV and AIDS programme
The speech of the Free State MEC for Health, Mr Sakhiwo Belot, on the occasion of the handing-over of information technology equipment to non-governmental organisations involved with the HIV and AIDS programme, Bloemfontein
Programme Director;
Honoured Guests;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Three years ago the Department launched the non-governmental organisations (NGOs) funding programme for those NGOs involved in the battle against HIV and AIDS. Each financial year, we call for applications from non-governmental and community-based organisations, involved with HIV and AIDS work in the community, to submit proposals for funding. The HIV and AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Illnesses and Communicable Disease directorate in the department budgets an amount of R1 million for NGO and community-based organisation (CBO) funding per financial year and this year it was not different.
Many of us do not realise it, but the funding of NGOs and CBOs in the field of HIV and AIDS is part of the partnership campaign that was launched in October 1998. The thrust of this partnership is that government, NGOs, CBOs and faith-based organisations (FBOs) must join hands in the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis (TB). We acknowledge and recognise that the NGOs, CBOs and FBOs are rendering essential services in their execution of certain aspects of the provincial HIV and AIDS and TB strategy on behalf of the Government through the Department of Health. As they operate at a grass-roots level, these structures are able to reach out to all the communities. Three years later we are still on course as regard this important programme. The NGO funding project in the Free State is running satisfactorily and the focus areas among others are:
* Information, Education and Communication or IEC;
* Counselling;
* Training;
* People Living with AIDS support services;
* Legal issues and consultation on HIV and AIDS;
* Rural programmes and outreach;
* In and out of school youth programmes;
* Women programmes; and
* Condom education, promotion and distribution.
Some of the organisations in Thabo Mafutsanyana who received training and funding were Sinethemba and the QwaQwa Association of Youth Clubs in QwaQwa and Dihlabeng Development Consortium in Bethlehem. The Moqhaka Consortuim, Maokeng Anti AIDS Organisation and others in the Fizile Dabi District were also supported. Boitelo organisation and Free State Anti AIDS Youth Club in Lejweleputswa amongst others, as well as the Alliance against HIV and AIDS and Ngenani Consortium in Motheo were among the recipients of funding and training. In Xhariep Kutlwesiso Support Group and Bethulie AIDS Association amongst others were also trained.
Ladies and Gentlemen, to date we have allocated R3 million over a period of three financial years to this project and in overall 47 different organisations benefited.
We regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the program and in our analysis of the success of this project thus far, we have come to realise that organisations are struggling to complete their developmental plans mainly due to a lack of capacity. Capacity was identified as a major challenge for many NGOs, CBOs and FBOs. These organisations are providing a valuable service to communities by engaging in voluntary counselling and testing, community home-based care, providing support in the Directly Observed Treatment Strategy (DOTS) programme and HIV and AIDS prevention awareness campaigns. However, there was a lack of skills with regards to project management, financial management, human resource and general management skills.
In order to sustain the project, the Department engaged the generous support of the Development Co-operation Ireland or DCI in order to capacitate these organisations to improve their chances of funding from the department. Funding to the value of R3.7 million were made available over a period of three years and this in turn enabled us to comply with the requirements set to government with regards to the administration of public funds as encapsulated in the Public Finance Management Act or PFMA as it is better known.
Areas in which training were provided focussed on practical skills such as proposal writing, report writing and management of resources. Some 150 organisations participated in the capacity building training project. In order to ensure sustainability of the project, 24 master trainers were also trained who will continue training on behalf of the Department after completion of the Development Co-operation Ireland project.
With the generous support provided by Development Cooperation Ireland, 30 organisations today will receive computers and printers to ensure that they operate professionally and manage finances. The specially designed programme installed by the PriceWaterHouseCoopers, Gobodo and Marang Consortium. Computer literacy has increased with the training programme provided to recipients of this information technology equipment.
Program Director, Ladies and Gentlemen, the proper management of this funding within organisations are crucial. Rechanneling of allocated funds by NGOs is also not allowed. NGOs are required to follow the business plan that was submitted to the Department and approved. Deviation will result in the Department taking legal action against such NGOs or individuals. We must receive value for money in this funding. The battle against HIV and AIDS is an important battle which directly impacts on people’s lives. Therefore, no mismanagement will be tolerated. People living and affected by HIV and AIDS have their hopes in us. We dare not fail them. Let us do the work that we are expected to do with the necessary resources that we have been allocated. I have no doubt that this training and the resources handed over here today will go a long way in addressing the logistical needs of these structures in carrying out their HIV and AIDS work.
I want to remind NGOs that capacity building and training of volunteers is your primary responsibility. The Department as a partner would support NGOs in training. The Department would further assist NGOs in building their management capacity so as to ensure proper management and supervision of volunteers and sustainability of its programmes and projects. NGOs must ensure consistent communication between themselves and the volunteers to ensure that proper communication lines are followed. The Department shall communicate with NGOs and structures, not individual volunteers.
I want to take this opportunity to thank all the various NGOs, CBOs and FBOs for the good work you are doing in our communities. I must underscore the fact that as government we value these partnerships that we are involved in with various stakeholders. Government certainly cannot do it alone. We are faced with enormous challenges across the board. For us to succeed in addressing these challenges we should really enter into a contract with all our people directly and indirectly through organisations of civil society such as yourselves. As we do all these we are also mindful of the legislative framework and policies within which we do things, lest we break the legal requirements.
Program Director, I want also to thank Development Co-operation Ireland for their willingness to professionally package and market the NGO policy which regulates partnerships between the Free State Department of Health and NGOs working with the Department. We must pursue this policy to the letter. This policy was a product of wide consultation with NGOs and all our stakeholders. Now that the policy has been approved we will further engage NGOs in ensuring that our obligations and those of NGOs are met. Again, let me thank you indeed.
Last but not least, may I call Nicolle McHugh from the Development Co-operation Ireland forward to assist me in the presentation of the computers to the recipient organisations.
I now call forward representatives from the following organisations:
* Sinethemba Youth Development: Qwaqwa
* Tshwarahanang HBC: Koppies
* Ngwathe HIV/AIDS Consortium: Parys
* Qwaqwa Assoc. of Youth Clubs: Qwaqwa
* Eletsanang: Bethlehem
* Rise and Shine: Welkom
* Phiritona/ Heilbron HBC: Heilbron
* Black Vision Theatre Ensemble: Bloemfontein
* Thespians: Bloemfontein
* GIPA(AME): Thaba Nchu
* Sekhutlong HBC: Botshabelo
* FS Positive Youth: Parys
* Kopano Home Based Care: Botshabel
* Mafube Consortium: Frankfort
* Bambanani: Fouriesburg
* FS Anti-AIDS Youth: Welkom
* Marquard Moemang Cons.: Marquard
* Tshepng Comm. Care Support Group: Odendalsrus
* Tshireletso Home Based Care: Hennenman
* Uncedo Home Based Care: Odendalsrus
* BCHCC Home Based Care: Botshabelo
* Leratong Home Based Care: Tweespruit
* Khothalang CBO: Winburg
* Barkenpark Dots Supporters: Bethlehem
* Masilonyana Consortium: Winburg
* Tshireletso Consotium: Wepener
* KAAHA: Koppies
* PWA Support Group: Bethlehem
* Boinehelo Home Based Care: Soutpan
* Kopano Home Based Care: Ficksburg
I thank you.
Issued by: Department of Health, Free State Provincial Government
24 October 2005
Advertisement
EMAIL THIS ARTICLE SAVE THIS ARTICLE FEEDBACK
To subscribe email subscriptions@creamermedia.co.za or click here
To advertise email advertising@creamermedia.co.za or click here
