[NGO-Pulse] Issue 131 - Torture, Xenophobia, Poll Question …

NGO-Pulse ngopulse at sangonet.org.za
Wed Jul 2 13:52:37 SAST 2008


NGO Pulse - SANGONeT

*ngo*pulse | issue no.  131| 02 July 2008
Contents

    * New jobs, proposals and events this week <#1>
    * Quote of the Week <#quote>
    * Top local and international news flashes <#2>
    * Non-profit analysis, tools and opinions <#3>
    * Prodder Directory <#4>
    * SANGOTeCH <#sangotech>
    * BackaBuddy <#BackaBuddy>
    * SN-Announce <#5>

*New on the Home Page*: http://www.sangonet.org.za 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/>

The launch of the South African No Torture Consortium (SANTOC) on 26 
June 2008, reminds us that torture and violence have not been relegated 
to South Africa’s past. A cursory glance at any newspaper clearly 
illustrates this. Writing about the launch of SANTOC, Dr Marjorie Jobson 
and Megan Bantje point out in this week’s edition of NGO Pulse, that 
torture in the contemporary period, is often “masked as forms of 
punishment, discipline and behaviour correction.”

SANTOC is concerned about police brutality and the use of torture to get 
information from suspects. Jobson and Bantje write that “these practices 
undermine the ethos of South Africa’s constitutional state and are a 
threat to democracy.” While it is imperative that we address the high 
levels of crime in our country, the use of force by officials should be 
condemned. Click here 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9684&Itemid=1> 
to read the full article.

While media coverage on the xenophobic violence has diminished, Suné 
Kitshoff, from Médecins Sans Frontières, writes that the physical and 
mental health consequences for the victims of the violence continue. 
“Living in police stations, churches and community halls came with its 
own risks, both in terms of physical safety and mental stability,” she 
writes. The lack of access to services, including health care, compounds 
the already fraught situation. Click here 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9685&Itemid=1> 
to read the full article. 

The release of crime statistics for the period 1 April 2007 – 31 March 
2008, highlight the need for us reflect on how we as a country are 
responding to crime as well as its long term consequences. Click here 
<http://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1&click_id=3045&art_id=nw20080630162558200C333337> 
to read the full article.

In last month’s poll we asked whether you thought NGOs are shifting 
their focus in response to the xenophobia crisis. Out of the 115 of you 
who responded, 41.7% believed this was happening to some extent, 36.5% 
thought that there was a significant shift, while 21.7% indicated they 
did not see any shift.  This month we want to know your thoughts about 
whether rising food prices are impacting on efforts to reduce poverty. 
To cast your vote, please refer to the bottom right of the SANGONeT 
Portal <http://www.sangonet.org.za/> where the poll is displayed.

As always, we invite your comments and suggestions.

-  Janine Moolman, editor at sangonet.org.za <mailto:editor at sangonet.org.za>
<mailto:editor at sangonet.org.za>

Jobs, Proposals & Events * *
*Vacancies* 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=13&id=22&Itemid=433> 


    * SANGONeT's Civil Society Information Programme seeks to employ a
      Programme Assistant to be based in Johannesburg. The application
      deadline is 11 July 2008. For more information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9658&Itemid=1>.
    * Participation Junction, an NGO promoting participatory democracy
      invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the
      position of Director to be based in Cape Town. The application
      deadline is 11 July 2008. For more information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9655&Itemid=1>.
    * The Eastern Cape Communication Forum invites applications from
      suitably qualified candidates for the position of Programme
      Coordinator to be based in East London. The application deadline
      is 21 July 2008. For more information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9651&Itemid=1>.
       

*RFPs and other Opportunities* 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=8&id=34&Itemid=115>

    * The Programme for Land and Agrarian Studies is commissioning
      research on various aspects of poverty in South Africa and is
      calling for proposals for five individual working papers on
      chronic and structural poverty. The submission deadline is 11 July
      2008. For more information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9637&Itemid=1>.
    * Entries are still invited for the Inyathelo Philanthropy Awards
      2008. The submission deadline is 12h00 on 16 July 2008. For more
      information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9186&Itemid=1>.
    * The British High Commission invites applications for the British
      Chevening Scholarship, which offers South Africans between the
      ages of 21-35 an opportunity to study for a Masters Degree in the
      United Kingdom. The application deadline is 22 September 2008. For
      more information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9669&Itemid=1>.
       

*New Events* 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_events&Itemid=110>

    * Gauteng MEC for Agriculture, Conservation and Environment, in
      partnership with the Gauteng Provincial Legislature’s Portfolio
      Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Environment is hosting
      the Food Summit from 10-11 July 2008 in Johannesburg. For more
      information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=713&year=2008&month=07&day=10&Itemid=1>.
    * iCommons, in association with Digital Garage, Creative Commons
      Japan and the City of Sapporo, will host the fourth global iSummit
      ’08 from 29 July - 1 August 2008 in Sapporo, Japan. For more
      information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=672&year=2008&month=07&day=29&Itemid=1>. 
    * CAF Southern Africa is hosting a conference on Innovating for
      Sustainability – Africans Investing in Africa from 17-18 September
      2008 in Johannesburg. For more information and to participate,
      click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_events&task=view_detail&agid=690&year=2008&month=09&day=17&Itemid=1>.


*Training* 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=14&id=31&Itemid=381>

    * The Community Education Computer Society is conducting a course on
      International Computer Driving License for 10 Saturdays from 12
      July 2008 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9671&Itemid=1>. 
    * The Foundation for Professional Development in association with
      Yale University is conducting an eight-month course on Advanced
      Health Management in Kimberly, Bloemfontein, Durban and Cape Town.
      The application deadline is 25 July 2008. For more information,
      click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9670&Itemid=1>.
    * The Olive-PPT ODT Programme is conducting a 10-day Facilitator
      Development Programme from 17-27 August 2008 in Scottsburgh,
      KwaZulu-Natal. For more information and to participate, click here
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9668&Itemid=1>.
       

Quote of the Week * *

Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be 
maintained by violence.
    
 - Alexandr Solzhenitsyn.**

*Top Local and International News Flashes*
*Recent LOCAL news items
*

    * Child Murders on the Increase in South Africa – Police Report
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9678&Itemid=1>
    * FPB Website Focuses on Child Pornography
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9679&Itemid=1>
    * Bizos Speaks Out on Run-Off Election in Zimbabwe
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9660&Itemid=1>
    * SANGONeT Blasts Sibande for Mugabe-Like Rhetoric
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9688&Itemid=1>
    * NGOs Call for a Stronger Gender Protocol 
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9666&Itemid=1>
    * LRC Speaks Out on the Right to Education
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9659&Itemid=1>
    * Crime Figures Test Constitution’s Limit – CSVR Study
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9672&Itemid=1>
    * Call for Comment on the Provision of Land and Assistance Amendment
      Bill
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9675&Itemid=1>

*Recent INTERNATIONAL news items*

    * 8,2 Million Copies of Firefox 3 Downloaded Within 24-Hours
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9683&Itemid=1>
    * Microsoft to Stop Selling XP
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9673&Itemid=1>
    * NANGO Not Happy with Run-Off Election in Zimbabwe
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9661&Itemid=1>
    * African Leaders Urged to Condemn Human Rights Abuses in Zimbabwe
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9674&Itemid=1>
    * Tanzanian Residents Urged to Stop Depending on Food Assistance
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9677&Itemid=1>
    * MSF Speaks Out on Somalia’s Humanitarian Crisis
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9676&Itemid=1>
    * NGO Urges African Leaders to take a Firm Stand on Zimbabwean
      Crisis
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9687&Itemid=1>

*Nonprofit Analysis, Tools and Opinions*

    * Booklet: Taking the Lead
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9682&Itemid=1>
    * Toolkit: Child-Oriented Participatory Risk Assessment and Planning
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9686&Itemid=1>
    * Weekly Whinge: Not Even for Chocolate
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9667&Itemid=1>
    * Toolkit: Internet Hotline
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9680&Itemid=1>
    * Resource: African Peer Review Mechanism Toolkit
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=9681&Itemid=1>
    * Guide: SANGONeT Development Calendar 2008
      <http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/images/stories/2008_development_calendar.pdf>

*Prodder Directory*

The new online version of the Prodder is now available in 'beta' format. 
Both the current version of Prodder <http://www.prodder.org.za> and the 
new beta version will be available concurrently until the end of June 
2008. To view the new directory, please click here 
<http://beta.prodder.org.za>.

We encourage NGOs to review their entries and forward us information 
about changes and corrections that need to be made. Any feedback about 
the new platform in general, including additional features and 
information to be added, would also be appreciated. Please forward your 
comments to prodder at sangonet.org.za <mailto:prodder at sangonet.org.za>.

Order your copy of Prodder - NGOs and Development in South Africa 2008, 
here 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_facileforms&Itemid=473>.

SANGOTeCH
SANGOTeCH aims to assist NGOs by providing software and hardware for 
very low or discounted fees in conjunction with ICT donor partners, as 
well as by supporting NGOs to make the most of their ICT purchases and 
infrastructure. This SANGONeT programme is open to South African non- 
profit organisations that have either Public Benefit Organisation (PBO) 
status or Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) status. For more information 
about SANGOTeCH, please refer to <http://www.sangotech.org.za 
<http://www.sangotech.org.za/>>
BackaBuddy
SANGONeT supports BackaBuddy <http://www.backabuddy.co.za>, an online 
fundraising website which combines the power of sport and the reach of 
the Internet in support of NGOs in South Africa. We provide potential 
donors with detailed information, through the Prodder NGO Directory 
<http://beta.prodder.org.za>, about the NGOs profiled for support on 
BackaBuddy.

For more information contact David Barnard or Matthew de Gale on 011 
403-4935 or e-mail: info at sangonet.org.za <mailto:info at sangonet.org.za>
*SN-Announce*

SN-Announce is an e-mail advertising service that provides an invaluable 
service to the NGO sector in Southern Africa. With a potential 
readership of more than 10 000 people, it remains one of the most 
cost-effective and efficient ways to reach the NGO and development 
community in South Africa. The type of information distributed includes 
alerts for vacancies, campaign launches, conferences, training courses 
and development services. Subscription to the SN-Announce service is 
free. For more information about how to subscribe to SN-Announce or post 
an announcement on it, please contact Neila Pillay at SANGONeT on (011) 
403-4935 or neila at sangonet.org.za <mailto:neila at sangonet.org.za>.

*Copyleft*
You are welcome to re-use any material from NGO Pulse. However we cannot 
authorise the use of any third-party content accessed via our services. 
The single phrase below is the copyright notice to be used when 
reproducing any portion of this alerting service, in any format:

 From SANGONeT. Copyright 2003-2008, http://www.sangonet.org.za

*NGO Pulse Archives*

Back issues of the NGO Pulse can be accessed from this link 
<http://www.sangonet.org.za/portal/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=19&id=229&Itemid=01>.

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