From ngopulse at sangonet.org.za Wed Sep 2 16:05:49 2009 From: ngopulse at sangonet.org.za (NGO Pulse) Date: Wed Sep 2 16:44:26 2009 Subject: [NGO-Pulse] Issue 188 - Literacy, Language Policy, SABC Crisis ... Message-ID: <4A9E7BBD.6000208@sangonet.org.za> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NGO Pulse Masthead issue no 188 02 September 2009 Contents <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> New jobs, proposals and events <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Quote of the week <#Quote_of_the_week> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Comment of the week <#Comment_of_the_week_> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> <#Latest_News_Flashes> Latest news flashes <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Non-profit analysis and opinions <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Prodder Directory <#Prodder_Directory> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> SANGOTeCH <#SANGOTeCH> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> BackaBuddy <#BackaBuddy> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> SN-Announce <#SN-Announce> Quote of the week Literacy is not a luxury, it is a right and a responsibility. If our world is to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century we must harness the energy and creativity of all our citizens. - President Clinton on International Literacy Day, September 8th 1994. Comment of the week ...everyone can create, utilise and share information and knowledge, enabling individuals, communities and people to achieve their full potential in promoting sustainable development and improving their quality of life... - World Summit on the Information Society, 2003. SN-Announce SN-Announce is an e-mail advertising service with a readership of more than 10 000 people. Subscription to the SN-Announce service is free. For more information contact Nicolle Beeby on +27 11 403-4935 or nicolle@sangonet.org.za . For more information about SN-Announce, click here . Prodder Directory Prodder is the most comprehensive directory of NGOs and development organisations in South Africa. To view the directory, click here . Order your copy of Prodder - NGOs and Development in South Africa 2008, here . SANGOTeCH SANGOTeCH provides software and hardware to NGOs at discounted fees in conjunction with ICT donor partners. It supports NGOs to make the most of their ICT purchases and infrastructure. For more information about SANGOTeCH, click here . BackaBuddy SANGONeT supports BackaBuddy, an online fundraising website which combines the power of sport and the reach of the Internet in support of NGOs in South Africa. For more information contact David Barnard or Matthew de Gale on +27 11 403-4935 or e-mail: info@sangonet.org.za Literacy, Language Policy, SABC Crisis ... September 8 is International Literacy Day. As the day is celebrated across the world we are reminded by UNESCO that despite our efforts, "literacy remains an elusive target: some 776 million adults lack minimum literacy skills which means that one in five adults is still not literate; 75 million children are out-of-school and many more attend irregularly or drop out". This week's edition of NGO Pulse explores some of the key issues related to literacy in South Africa. Reflecting on literacy and adult education, Pat Dean, Director of Operation Upgrade argues that the biggest problem is the tendency to "provide a kind of adult literacy that mimics school education." "We set up vast mass literacy campaigns and back-to-school government adult education departments all geared to giving people a second chance at literacy and the chance to get qualifications equivalent to Grade 9. But is this really what the nine million illiterate South Africans want from adult basic education?" Dean asks. Click here to read the full article. Regular contributor, Christo van der Rheede, Chief Executive Officer of the Stigting vir Bemagtiging deur Afrikaans, argues that while South Africa's constitution provides a policy and institutional framework for the protection, maintenance and promotion of all 11 languages, the use of indigenous mother tongue is limited to social interaction, and in many instances associated with backwardness, illiteracy and ethno-traditionalism. "How can we change these perceptions and develop the economic value of indigenous languages?" he asks. "South Africa will lose nothing if we take bold steps and start positioning our indigenous languages as major trajectories for academic excellence and economic empowerment. Instead we stand to gain much in terms of improved academic achievements, self-pride, self-reliance, a more tolerant society, high levels of creativity, communities taking ownership, more economic opportunities, etc." he writes. Click here to read the full article. Returning to the saga unfolding at the SABC; the recent wage strike by employees, controversy related to former CEO Dali Mpofu and the Television Industry Emergency Coalition's concern over the broadcaster's financial status are all signs of the crisis facing the public broadcaster. In another development Michael Lee, a Johannesburg-based TV producer/director has embarked on a hunger protest. Already into his 24th day, Lee remains adamant in his protest against the turnaround plan at the SABC, to save half a billion rand on local content by stopping commissioning of new programmes. His demands include: treating the local production industry with respect, as a partner, the SABC committing to solutions to the crisis that do not destroy local industry and making agreements that are legally binding among others. Lee is also calling on his counterparts to join his protest. He has also been blogging about his hunger protest on NGO Pulse. Click here to read more. Lastly, we would like to bring to your attention an upcoming Special Assignment documentary which focuses on the Commission on Gender Equality. After all the fanfare during women's month, the documentary, titled 'Gender Agenda', will explore the question: is the organisation worth the millions in taxpayer's money it receives annually? It is being screened on 8 September. Click here for more information. We remind you to send your entries for the 2009 NGO Web Awards and to register for the 2009 SANGONeT Social Media for NGOs Conference . As always we invite your comments and suggestions NGO Pulse Team, editor@sangonet.org.za New Jobs, Proposals & Events Employment Opportunities * Positive Heroes, a NGO working to reduce the fear and stigma that surrounds HIV and act as barriers to testing, accessing treatment and support, seeks to appoint a Project Coordinator to be based in Cape Town. The application deadline is 4 September 2009. For more information, click here . * Save the Children, an organisation that fights for children's rights and delivers immediate and lasting improvements to children's lives worldwide, seeks to employ a Programme Manager to be based in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State. The application deadline is 18 September 2009. For more information, click here . * The Mvula Trust, the leading NGO in the rural water supply, sanitation and related fields in South Africa, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Receptionist/Office Administrator to be based in Empangeni, KwaZulu-Natal. The application deadline is 18 September 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other vacancies, click here . Proposals, Grants & Awards * The Faculty of Humanities, Development and Social Sciences at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, in partnership with the Andrew Mellon Foundation, invites applications for the 2010-2011 Andrew Mellon Foundation Post-Doctoral Fellowship Grants. The submission deadline is 4 September 2009. For more information, click here . * M-Net invites entries for the M-Net VUKA! Awards. The awards recognise the work and energy charities and NGOs put into making the lives of all South Africans better. The submission deadline is 24 October 2009. For more information, click here . * Entries are invited from NGOs, individuals and other institutions for the UNESCO King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa Prize for the Use of ICT in Education. The award carries a cash prize of US$50 000. The submission deadline is 30 September 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other opportunities, click here . New Events * Monash South Africa is hosting a three-day conference on Digitally Empowering Communities: Learning from Development Informatics Practice from 28-30 October 2009 in the Kruger National Park. For more information, click here . * The Isandla Institute invites nominations from individuals considered to be 'Pioneers of Participation' in Local Government from Southern and Eastern Africa, to be considered as potential participants for a workshop to be held in November 2009. For more information, click here . * Inyathelo -- The South African Institute for Advancement, a NGO that assists organisations to develop a professional approach to raising donor investment required to advance their objectives, is hosting its 2009 Conference from 2-5 November 2009 in Cape Town. For more information, click here . Training * The Democracy Development Programme is conducting the Personal Mastery Workshop from 5-7 October 2009 in KwaZulu-Natal. The application deadline is 7 September 2009. For more information, click here . * The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University invites applications for its Postgraduate Diploma in the Management of HIV/AIDS and for the Masters Degree in the Management of HIV/AIDS. The application deadline is 31 October 2009. For more information, click here . * The International NGO Training and Research Centre is conducting a three-day course on Supporting Southern Advocacy from 4-6 November 2009 in London. For more information, click here . Latest News Flashes Recent LOCAL news items: * NDA, NLDF Criticised for Failing the Poor * Hate Speech: Malema Refuses to Apologise * Record Entries for Jet Community Awards * Law Failing Lesbians on Corrective Rape -- Funda * Casual Day Supports the Disabled * Samsung Real Dreams Programme Discussed * AfriForum Takes ASA to IAAF Over Semenya * Traditional Leaders Criticise NGOs Over Circumcision * Pebble Bed Study Flawed -- PSAM * Teen Pregnancies on the Decrease -- Study * SA Improving in Protecting Children from HIV Recent INTERNATIONAL news items: * Call for Tougher Action Against Zimbabwe * Call to Act Against Poverty * Gmail Goes Down * Kidnapped Aid Worker Released * Zim NGO Develops Mini Hydro-Power Stations * ROHR Slams NAC Over AIDS Levy Fund * NGO Offers Soft Loans to Cassava Processors * Ugandan NGO to Build ICT School * Punitive Measures for Rwanda's Unregistered NGOs Non-profit Analysis and Opinions * Report: Moving Beyond Gender As Usual * Resource: Development Support Monitor 2009 * Toolkit: The CSI Toolkit * Manual: 'Under One Roof' Gender, Media and Democracy * Booklet: Using ICT to Develop Literacy * Portal: Citizen Journalism in Africa Project Copyright Unless otherwise stated, content on the NGO Pulse website is licenced under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works . Subscriptions TO SUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "subscribe me". If you have the time to elaborate in just a line or two, we are keen to find out about your professional and development interests. TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "unsubscribe me" along with your e-mail address. -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/related From ngopulse at sangonet.org.za Wed Sep 9 15:42:07 2009 From: ngopulse at sangonet.org.za (NGO-Pulse) Date: Wed Sep 9 15:56:07 2009 Subject: [NGO-Pulse] Issue 189 - Equality Courts, Organisational Development, NetSquared Jozi... Message-ID: <20090909134151.386C520B1B2@zone.sangonet.org.za> NGO Pulse Masthead issue no 189 09 September 2009 Contents <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> New jobs, proposals and events <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> <#Quote_of_the_week> Quote of the week <#Quote_of_the_week> bullet <#Comment_of_the_week_> Comment of the week <#Comment_of_the_week_> bullet <#Latest_News_Flashes> Latest news flashes <#Latest_News_Flashes> bullet <#Nonprofit_Analysis_and_Opinions_> Non-profit analysis and opinions <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#Latest_News_Flashes> bullet <#Prodder_Directory> Prodder Directory <#Prodder_Directory> bullet <#SANGOTeCH> SANGOTeCH <#SANGOTeCH> bullet <#BackaBuddy> BackaBuddy <#BackaBuddy> bullet <#SN-Announce> SN-Announce <#SN-Announce> Quote of the week All the citizens of a state cannot be equally powerful, but they may be equally free. - Voltaire quotes (French Philosopher and Writer. One of the greatest of all French authors, 1694-1778) Comment of the week Regardless of who is doing the work, organisational development is so important to the organisation that the leader has to be present and committed to aid, guide and oversee the OD process. - Dr Stuart Allen, Centre for Applied Leadership Excellence SN-Announce SN-Announce is an e-mail advertising service with a readership of more than 10 000 people. Subscription to the SN-Announce service is free. For more information contact Nicolle Beeby on +27 11 403-4935 or nicolle@sangonet.org.za . For more information about SN-Announce, click here . Prodder Directory Prodder is the most comprehensive directory of NGOs and development organisations in South Africa. To view the directory, click here . Order your copy of Prodder - NGOs and Development in South Africa 2008, here . SANGOTeCH SANGOTeCH provides software and hardware to NGOs at discounted fees in conjunction with ICT donor partners. It supports NGOs to make the most of their ICT purchases and infrastructure. For more information about SANGOTeCH, click here . BackaBuddy SANGONeT supports BackaBuddy, an online fundraising website which combines the power of sport and the reach of the Internet in support of NGOs in South Africa. For more information contact David Barnard or Matthew de Gale on +27 11 403-4935 or e-mail: info@sangonet.org.za Equality Courts, Organisational Development, NetSquared Jozi... As organisations around the country prepare for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence later this year, the controversy surrounding comments made by ANC Youth League leader, Julius Malema, continues. Malema has recently said that he will not apologise for comments made to university students concerning Jacob Zuma's rape accuser, claiming that she likely enjoyed herself during the incident. In this week's edition of NGO Pulse, we feature a case study which explores the Equality Courts as a tool for gender transformation. Based on the work of the Sonke Gender Justice Network which complained to the Equality Court about Malema's comments, Emily Keehn, an intern at Sonke, analyses the courts as a new legal forum for gender transformation work. Documenting the experiences of Sonke's case against Malema, she examines the history and theoretical foundations for the Equality Courts, the procedures for utilising them as well as the challenges. "Sonke felt the effort to hold Malema accountable provided an important opportunity to experiment with rights-based advocacy as a gender transformation strategy", she writes. Click here for more information. We also publish the first of a four-part series of articles on organisational development (OD). In today's article, Dr Stuart Allen from the Centre for Applied Leadership and Excellence outlines what OD is and why it is important for NGO leaders to understand the practice. "Aspects or tasks in the OD process can be delegated, but the overall direction and championing of the OD programme requires a passionate, involved and humble leader," argues Allen. Click here for more information. As we move full steam ahead for the upcoming SANGONeT "Social Media for NGOs" Conference, we are also preparing for the second Netsquared Jozi meetup on 15 September 2009 at the House of Ntswako in Brixton, Johannesburg. This meetup will focus on E- and M-learning (electronic and mobile learning for the uninitiated). We will look at ways that NGOs and educators can make a difference using technology and social media. We would also like to use this meetup to discuss future events. What would YOU like to get out of Netsquared Jozi? A light supper will be provided at this super-cool venue. Click here for more information. We also want to remind you to submit your entries for the 2009 NGO Web Awards in the following categories: 1. Best Use of Social Media 2. Best Use of Mobile Technology Click here for more information and to submit entries. Lastly, SANGONeT staffers Nicolle Beeby and Adam Mukendi have been away this week attending Highway Africa 2009 and the Digital Citizens Indaba. Look out next week for what they have to say about their experiences. As always we invite your comments and suggestions NGO Pulse Team, editor@sangonet.org.za New Jobs, Proposals & Events Employment Opportunities * The Ifa Lethu Foundation, an organisation devoted to the repatriation of struggle-era heritage and the development of creative entrepreneurs, seeks to employ a Project/Programme Coordinator to be based in Pretoria. The application deadline is 14 September 2009. For more information, click here . * CARE, a leading humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty, seeks to appoint a Project Manager to be based in Johannesburg. The application deadline is 16 September 2009. For more information, click here . * The Eastern Cape NGO Coalition, a collective of non-governmental, community-based and faith-based organisations operating in the Eastern Cape, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of Programme Facilitator to be based in East London. The application deadline is 19 September 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other vacancies, click here . Proposals, Grants & Awards * Entries are invited for the 2009 NGO Web Awards. The submission deadline is 21 September 2009. There are three prizes to the value of R10 000 each, sponsored by Torque IT. For more information, click here . * The Canadian International Development Agency is calling for proposals from eligible NGOs to help advance the aims of its Capacity Building Technical Assistance Funds. NGOs that are working in the areas of Building Accountable Public Institutions or Children and Youth are invited to apply. Proposal budgets should not exceed CAD100 000. The submission deadline is 6 October 2009 at 12h00. For more information, click here . * The British High Commission is offering young South Africans the opportunity to study for a Masters degree in the United Kingdom through the Chevening Scholarship Scheme. The submission deadline is 9 October 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other opportunities, click here . New Events * The Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) is hosting the Social Media for NGOs Conference from 15-16 October 2009 in Johannesburg, and 20-21 October in Cape Town. For more information, click here . * The Idasa Economic Governance Programme is hosting a three-day conference on Governance and Small-scale Agriculture in Southern Africa from 9-11 November 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . * The African Economic Research Consortium, with the support of the World Bank, African Development Bank, UNDP, IDRC and USAID, is hosting the Rethinking African Economic Policy in Light of the Global Economic and Financial Crisis Conference from 6-8 December 2009 in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information, click here . Training * GIBS Network for Social Entrepreneurs is conducting a Financial Management for Non-Financial Managers Workshop on 30 September 2009 in Johannesburg. The application deadline is 18 September 2009. For more information, click here . * The Centre for Social Impact is conducting a four-day Fundraising Training for Non-Profit Organisations from 28 September to 1 October 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . * The Institute for the Advancement of Journalism is conducting a four-day course on Leading in the Digital Era Reporting on New Media Tools from 27-30 October 2009 in Cape Town. For more information, click here . Latest News Flashes Recent LOCAL news items: * 500 000 Need RDP Houses * Cheap Affordable Quality Telecoms for SA * Scientists Discover Antibodies that Disarm HIV * Overspending Affects Service Delivery * Sasol to be Tried for Climate Change Crimes * Telkom Continues Supporting Highway Africa * Ceasefire Campaign Condemns Parliament Actions * Police Criticised for Illegally Destroying Building * SANCB Appoints New National Executive Director Recent INTERNATIONAL news items: * IMF US$500m Bail-out for Zimbabwe * Death Row: NGO Criticises Libya * Zambia to Issue NGO Guidelines * Displaced Somalis on the Increase * SA-Zim Migration Agreement * Oxfam Criticises Human Suffering in Somalia Non-profit Analysis and Opinions * Manual: Using Mobile Phones in Fundraising Campaigns * Guide: A Handbook of NGO Governance * Report: Rainwater Harvesting: A Lifeline for Human Well-being * Report: Understanding Farmers' Perceptions and Adaptations to Climate Change and Variability * Weekly Whinge: Refugees We All (Are) * Weekly Whinge: The Bare Necessities (Of Life) * Portal: Citizen Journalism in Africa Project Copyright Unless otherwise stated, content on the NGO Pulse website is licenced under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works . Subscriptions TO SUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "subscribe me". If you have the time to elaborate in just a line or two, we are keen to find out about your professional and development interests. TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "unsubscribe me" along with your e-mail address. -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/related From ngopulse at sangonet.org.za Wed Sep 16 14:38:50 2009 From: ngopulse at sangonet.org.za (NGO Pulse) Date: Wed Sep 16 14:48:30 2009 Subject: [NGO-Pulse] Issue 190 - School Libraries, OD, Breastfeeding... Message-ID: <4AB0DC5A.8040308@sangonet.org.za> NGO Pulse Masthead issue no 190 16 September 2009 Contents <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> New jobs, proposals and events <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> <#Quote_of_the_week> Quote of the week <#Quote_of_the_week> bullet <#Comment_of_the_week_> Comment of the week <#Comment_of_the_week_> bullet <#Latest_News_Flashes> Latest news flashes <#Latest_News_Flashes> bullet <#Nonprofit_Analysis_and_Opinions_> Non-profit analysis and opinions <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#Latest_News_Flashes> bullet <#Prodder_Directory> Prodder Directory <#Prodder_Directory> bullet <#SANGOTeCH> SANGOTeCH <#SANGOTeCH> bullet <#BackaBuddy> BackaBuddy <#BackaBuddy> bullet <#SN-Announce> SN-Announce <#SN-Announce> Quote of the week Organisations can be like holograms -- your position / perspective in an organisation is a major influence on how you understand or interpret a situation or problem. - Dr Stuart Allen,Centre for Applied Leadership Excellence. Comment of the week pite the availability of evidence which indicates that the provision of school libraries significantly improves the performance of pupils in their exams, the South African government has been and continues to be lackadaisical in its quest to develop a clear vision for school libraries. - Ahmed Mohamed, Parliamentary Engagement Officer, Equal Eduation. SN-Announce SN-Announce is an e-mail advertising service with a readership of more than 10 000 people. Subscription to the SN-Announce service is free. For more information contact Nicolle Beeby on +27 11 403-4935 or nicolle@sangonet.org.za . For more information about SN-Announce, click here . Prodder Directory Prodder is the most comprehensive directory of NGOs and development organisations in South Africa. To view the directory, click here . Order your copy of Prodder - NGOs and Development in South Africa 2008, here . SANGOTeCH SANGOTeCH provides software and hardware to NGOs at discounted fees in conjunction with ICT donor partners. It supports NGOs to make the most of their ICT purchases and infrastructure. For more information about SANGOTeCH, click here . BackaBuddy SANGONeT supports BackaBuddy, an online fundraising website which combines the power of sport and the reach of the Internet in support of NGOs in South Africa. For more information contact David Barnard or Matthew de Gale on +27 11 403-4935 or e-mail: info@sangonet.org.za School Libraries, OD, Breastfeeding... October is International School Library month - a time when schools around the world celebrate the contribution that school libraries make to the education of the children in their care. But like the complex issues related to literacy and adult education that NGO Pulse has focused on recently, school libraries, or rather the lack thereof, is a critical challenge for South African educators, learners and policy-makers. In this week's edition of NGO Pulse, Ahmed Mohamed, Parliamentary Engagement Officer at Equal Education, writes about a campaign creating awareness amongst parents, teachers, learners, bureaucrats and politicians about the role that school libraries can play in improving the quality of education in South Africa. While research shows that the provision of school libraries significantly improves the performance of pupils in their exams, the majority of South African schools do not have libraries and many of those that do exist are dysfunctional. "Advocacy for more and functional school libraries is even more significant and relevant in South Africa where unacceptably high levels of spatial educational inequality based on race and gender still persists. Nearly one and a half decades since the transition to democracy, the majority of the population still endure in persistent poverty and illiteracy", he writes. Click here to read the full article. We also continue our focus on organisational development (OD) as Dr Stuart Allen shifts his focus to the OD diagnostic process. He writes that diagnosing the problem properly is key to being able to address and improve organisational effectiveness. The diagnostic process must follow a logical sequence: identify the problem, explore probable causes, and then find solutions and NGO leaders should involve their management teams, boards and other relevant stakeholders in starting the process. "Now it is very easy for us, as the leader, to assume we know what the problem is, but our own relationships, personality biases and history, position in the organisation, and personal theories about the organisation may blind us from the real problem. Organisations can be like holograms -- your position / perspective in an organisation is a major influence on how you understand or interpret a situation or problem", he writes. Click here to read the full article. In another article, Charlotte Sutherland, Research Manager: Gender Issues in Africa at Consultancy Africa Intelligence writes about the complex social realities that inform women's ability and choices to breastfeed or not. She writes that breastfeeding is not only a health and HIV and AIDS related issue, but also a gender issue insofar as it concerns mothers, the role played by families and contexts in which mothers make decisions. "While breastfeeding is vital to the future of Africa, both in terms of coping with food shortages and building healthy, HIV-free generations, the practice should not be conceptualised as existing independently of women's social contexts. Welfare dumping of formula milk, cultural and communal beliefs and healthcare shortcomings may all contribute to maternal reluctance to practice exclusive breastfeeding", she writes. Click here to read the full article. Lastly, we remind you to enter the 2009 South African NGO Web Awards and to remember to register for the 2009 SANGONeT Social Media for NGOs Conference taking place from 15-16 October in Johannesburg, and 20-21 October 2009 in Cape Town. As always we invite your comments and suggestions NGO Pulse Team, editor@sangonet.org.za New Jobs, Proposals & Events Employment Opportunities * The Ellen Forbes Foundation, a non-profit organisation focusing on poverty, employment and personal growth, invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for the position of PR Fundraising and Events Coordinator to be based in Johannesburg. The application deadline is 25 September 2009. For more information, click here . * The Association for Women's Rights in Development, an international, multi-generational, feminist, membership organisation committed to achieving gender equality, seeks to appoint a Communications Manager to be based in Cape Town. The application deadline is 16 October 2009. For more information, click here . * The Institute for Security Studies, an independent non-profit applied policy research organisation with a focus on human security in Africa, seeks to employ a Knowledge Manager to be based in Pretoria. The application deadline is 25 September 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other vacancies, click here . Proposals, Grants & Awards * The Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa, in partnership with the Open Society Foundation for South Africa, Open Society Initiative for Eastern African and Open Society Initiative for West Africa, seeks to identify and nominate prominent African women for the Multiplying Faces Amplifying Voices initiative. The nomination deadline is 30 September 2009. For more information, click here . * The Australian Agency for International Development invites applications for the Human Rights Small Grants Scheme. The submission deadline is 2 October 2009. For more information, click here . * The African Carbon Trust and the Two Oceans Aquarium invite entries for the State of Our Environment Competition. Entries should tell a story of how South Africa's environment is being damaged or destroyed. The submission deadline is 15 October 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other opportunities, click here . New Events * Gender Links, in partnership with the Commission on Gender Equality, Constitution Hill, and the Southern African HIV and AIDS Information Service, is hosting a discussion and launch of the book entitled Polygamy "I" Stories: The Heart of the Matter on 17 September 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . * Idasa's Economic Governance Programme and the Affiliated Network on Social Accountability -Southern Africa are hosting a seminar, Alternative Policies to Address Poverty and Inequality in Africa on 23 September 2009 in Pretoria. For more information, click here . * The Volunteer and Service Enquiry Southern Africa is hosting the Inaugural Ceremony of the Ubuntu International Youth Voluntary Service Awards on 30 September 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . Training * Siyakhula Trust, a NGO assisting community leaders, non-profits and government officials develop skills so that they can efficiently initiate and manage development and job creation projects, is conducting a five-day course on Team Leadership from 5-9 October in Cape Town, from 9-13 November 2009 in Johannesburg, and from 23-27 November 2009 in Bloemfontein. For more information, click here . * Symphonia, a NGO working with leaders to engage their stakeholders so that talent, human energy and creativity is maximised, is conducting a Community Building Workshop from 8-9 October in Johannesburg and from 12-13 October 2009 in Cape Town. There are a few places available for grassroots community leaders for whom funding is a problem. For more information, click here . * The Democracy Development Programme is hosting Building and Sustaining Great Teams: A Workshop for Team Leaders from 5--7 October 2009 in Durban. For more information, click here . Latest News Flashes Recent LOCAL news items: * SASSA Fails to Distribute Food Parcels * Lack of Female Condoms Puts Women at Risk * Call for SABC to Disclose it Plans * SA Lags Behind Africa With AIDS Campaigns -- Motsoaledi * Sasol Blamed For Climate Change Crimes * Women, Children Trafficked into SA -- JCW * Few Top Media Posts for Women * Motshekga Withdraws Proposal Over Marks * Sexwale Lambast Residents Over Housing * AAC Backs SAB Over Alcohol Abuse * NYDA's Plan to Empower Youth * Call Termination Rates to be Reduced -- ICASA * Minister Writes to UN Over Semenya Recent INTERNATIONAL news items: * HRW Urges EU not to Lift Zim Sanctions * Local Funding Needed to Fight HIV * Free Surgery for Heart Disease Patients * Donation for Nigeria's 1m Orphans * ZNRI Embarks on Clean-up Exercise in Harare * EU Officials to Visit Zimbabwe Non-profit Analysis and Opinions * Book: Communication for Another Development * Book: The United Nations and Civil Society * Book: Big Business, Poor Peoples * Book: African Women & ICTs * Weekly Whinge: I Dont Want to Think (Evil Thoughts) * Portal: Citizen Journalism in Africa Project Copyright Unless otherwise stated, content on the NGO Pulse website is licenced under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works . Subscriptions TO SUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "subscribe me". If you have the time to elaborate in just a line or two, we are keen to find out about your professional and development interests. TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "unsubscribe me" along with your e-mail address. -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/related From ngopulse at sangonet.org.za Wed Sep 23 14:47:08 2009 From: ngopulse at sangonet.org.za (NGO Pulse) Date: Wed Sep 23 15:13:42 2009 Subject: [NGO-Pulse] =?windows-1252?q?Issue_191_-_Public_Participation=2C?= =?windows-1252?q?_Stand_Up_Campaign=2C_OD=85?= Message-ID: <4ABA18CC.80700@sangonet.org.za> NGO Pulse Masthead issue no 191 23 September 2009 Contents <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> New jobs, proposals and events <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> <#Quote_of_the_week> Quote of the week <#Quote_of_the_week> bullet <#Comment_of_the_week_> Comment of the week <#Comment_of_the_week_> bullet <#Latest_News_Flashes> Latest news flashes <#Latest_News_Flashes> bullet <#Nonprofit_Analysis_and_Opinions_> Non-profit analysis and opinions <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#Latest_News_Flashes> bullet <#Prodder_Directory> Prodder Directory <#Prodder_Directory> bullet <#SANGOTeCH> SANGOTeCH <#SANGOTeCH> bullet <#BackaBuddy> BackaBuddy <#BackaBuddy> bullet <#SN-Announce> SN-Announce <#SN-Announce> SANGONeT Conference 2009 Logo Quote of the week Poverty is the worst form of violence. - Mahatma Gandhi. Comment of the week As long as public participation in local governance remains limited to ward committees and izimbizos in their current form, it will be largely meaningless. With little incentive for citizens to participate in them, these structures will remain another space for dominant political entities to exert their will. - Thabile Sokupa, Programme Coordinator, Afesis-corplan. SN-Announce SN-Announce is an e-mail advertising service with a readership of more than 10 000 people. Subscription to the SN-Announce service is free. For more information contact Nicolle Beeby on +27 11 403-4935 or nicolle@sangonet.org.za . For more information about SN-Announce, click here . Prodder Directory Prodder is the most comprehensive directory of NGOs and development organisations in South Africa. To view the directory, click here . Order your copy of Prodder - NGOs and Development in South Africa 2008, here . SANGOTeCH SANGOTeCH provides software and hardware to NGOs at discounted fees in conjunction with ICT donor partners. It supports NGOs to make the most of their ICT purchases and infrastructure. For more information about SANGOTeCH, click here . BackaBuddy SANGONeT supports BackaBuddy, an online fundraising website which combines the power of sport and the reach of the Internet in support of NGOs in South Africa. For more information contact David Barnard or Matthew de Gale on +27 11 403-4935 or e-mail: info@sangonet.org.za Public Participation, Stand Up Campaign, OD? Participatory governance is central to the success of any democracy. Lack of public participation, especially at the level of local government, means that citizens do not have the platform to engage elected representatives about policy, service delivery and decision-making which affects them. Informed citizens are generally active citizens, who are able to play a central role in shaping their communities and lives. This week Thabile Sokupa, a project coordinator at Afesis-corplan, emphasises the importance of participatory governance to enable citizens to have a say in development planning, performance management, the budget and strategic decisions relating to services. She argues that, ?as long as public participation in local governance remains limited to ward committees and izimbizos in their current form, it will be largely meaningless. With little incentive for citizens to participate in them, these structures will remain another space for dominant political entities to exert their will?. Click here to read the full article. Being active citizens, however, extends beyond participation in government and other structures. It also requires that we take action for what we believe in. As the countdown to Stand Up 2009 begins, you are called on to take action! On 16, 17 and 18 October people in all provinces in South Africa will participate in the Stand Up and Take Action campaign, the largest global citizen action to raise awareness about poverty and the Millennium Development Goals. Click here for more information. SANGONeT is supporting the campaign and we encourage you to do the same. Continuing our focus on organisational development (OD), this week Stuart Allen explains the choice of intervention and planning. ?? do not pick your interventions because ?it worked at ABC organisation?. Consider a pilot intervention (where possible) to see if there is a good fit with the organisation. Be bold in asking questions about potential interventions. Study the information carefully before choosing. Lastly, find a balance between trusting your intuition as a leader about what will work and being stubborn or dependent,? he suggests. Click here to read the full article. SANGONeT hosted the Tanzania Thetha ICT Discussion Forum on 15 September in Dar es Salaam. Discussions were informed by the ICT4D: Facing the Challenges Head-on in Tanzania research report that the Institute of Finance Management prepared in support of the event. Click here to view the event in pictures. Lastly, we have extended the deadline for the 2009 NGO Web Awards to 25 September 2009. We also remind you to register for the 2009 SANGONeT 'Social Media for NGOs' Conference taking place from 15-16 October in Johannesburg, and 20-21 October 2009 in Cape Town. As always we invite your comments and suggestions NGO Pulse Team, editor@sangonet.org.za New Jobs, Proposals & Events Employment Opportunities * Tshikululu Social Investments, a South African agency managing corporate social investment (CSI) funds and trusts for large and medium-sized business, seeks to employ a CSI Practitioner to be based in Johannesburg. The application deadline is 25 September 2009. For more information, click here . * Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre, a multi-disciplinary centre that promotes a world free of violence for women through advocacy, research and policy development, seeks to appoint a Research Assistant to be based in Johannesburg. The application deadline is 28 September 2009. For more information, click here . * The Social Change Assistance Trust, an independent fundraising and grantmaking development agency, seeks to appoint a Finance Assistant to be based in Cape Town. The application deadline is 2 October 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other vacancies in the NGO sector, click here . Proposals, Grants & Awards * The European Commission is calling for proposals from NGOs and other entities for a grant under the ?Thematic Programme of Cooperation with Third Countries in the Areas of Migration and Asylum?. The submission deadline is 13 November 2009. For more information, click here . * The School for Advanced Research invites applications for the Campbell Fellowship for Women Scholar-Practitioners from Developing Nations. The submission deadline is 1 November 2009. For more information, click here . * Entries are invited for the Frederick Douglass Award. The award honours the resilience of the human spirit and emphasises that many survivors of modern-day slavery go on to help others to freedom. The submission deadline is 2 November 2009. For more information, click here . * To view other opportunities, click here . New Events * The Legal Resource Centre, a NGO that uses the law as an instrument of justice for the vulnerable and marginalised, is hosting the Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture 2009 on 13 November 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . * EISA, a NGO that promotes credible elections and democratic governance in Africa, is hosting the Fourth Annual EISA Symposium from 17-18 November 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . * The Western Cape Therapeutic Community Centre is hosting the South African Therapeutic Community Conference from 9-11 November 2009 in Cape Town. For more information, click here . Training * MS-Training Centre for Development Cooperation is conducting a five-day course on Land Rights from 2-6 November 2009 Arusha, Tanzania. For more information, click here . * The Department of Public Service and Administration, in collaboration with the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier, is hosting the 8th Batho Pele Learning Network from 4-6 November 2009 in Durban. Registration is free. For more information, click here . * The Democracy Development Programme is hosting the Building and Sustaining Great Teams: A Workshop for Team Leaders from 5?7 October 2009 in Durban. For more information, click here . Latest News Flashes Recent LOCAL news items: * Kollapen Bids Farewell to the SAHRC * SOS Campaign Welcomes New SABC Board Shortlist * AG Report, SABC to Take Legal Action * Interconnection Reduction for Mobile Users * Malema Back in Court * Radical HIV/AIDS Plan for Western Cape * South Africa to Miss AIDS Treatment Goal ? Motsoaledi * Carbon Emission Targets Unrealistic ? Sonjica Recent INTERNATIONAL news items: * Increasing Sexual Predators on the Internet * Amnesty Criticises Over Human Rights * Deal to Fight Mother-to-Child Transmission * New UN Body for Women?s Rights * TIZ Clarifies Position on Zambia?s NGO Bill * Power Tariff Hikes Hurt Africa Non-profit Analysis and Opinions * Book: Eliminating Human Poverty * Book: Parliament, the Budget and Poverty in South Africa * Book: A Gender and Media Advocacy Training Toolkit * Booklet: Effective Governance for Non-Profit Boards * Weekly Whinge: Wonderful * Weekly Whinge: It Sounds Like A Song * Portal: Citizen Journalism in Africa Project Copyright Unless otherwise stated, content on the NGO Pulse website is licenced under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works . Subscriptions TO SUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "subscribe me". If you have the time to elaborate in just a line or two, we are keen to find out about your professional and development interests. TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "unsubscribe me" along with your e-mail address. -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/related From ngopulse at sangonet.org.za Wed Sep 30 15:56:58 2009 From: ngopulse at sangonet.org.za (NGO Pulse) Date: Wed Sep 30 17:21:32 2009 Subject: [NGO-Pulse] Issue 192 - MDGs, NGO Web Awards, OD... Message-ID: <4AC363AA.1080503@sangonet.org.za> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ NGO Pulse Masthead issue no 192 30 September 2009 Contents <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> New jobs, proposals and events <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Quote of the week <#Quote_of_the_week> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Comment of the week <#Comment_of_the_week_> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> <#Latest_News_Flashes> Latest news flashes <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Non-profit analysis and opinions <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#Latest_News_Flashes> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> Prodder Directory <#Prodder_Directory> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> SANGOTeCH <#SANGOTeCH> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> BackaBuddy <#BackaBuddy> <#New_Jobs_Proposals__Events> SN-Announce <#SN-Announce> Quote of the week /Time is short. We must seize this historic moment to act responsibly and decisively for the common good./ - Ban Ki-Moon, UN Secretary-General. Comment of the week ... although the MDGs concern those members of our society that are most affected by poverty, there has been very little real engagement with those experiencing poverty. - Karen Peters, National Welfare Forum. SN-Announce SN-Announce is an e-mail advertising service with a readership of more than 10 000 people. Subscription to the SN-Announce service is free. For more information contact Nicolle Beeby on +27 11 403-4935 or nicolle@sangonet.org.za . For more information about SN-Announce, click here . Prodder Directory Prodder is the most comprehensive directory of NGOs and development organisations in South Africa. To view the directory, click here . Order your copy of Prodder - NGOs and Development in South Africa 2008, here . SANGOTeCH SANGOTeCH provides software and hardware to NGOs at discounted fees in conjunction with ICT donor partners. It supports NGOs to make the most of their ICT purchases and infrastructure. For more information about SANGOTeCH, click here . BackaBuddy SANGONeT supports BackaBuddy, an online fundraising website which combines the power of sport and the reach of the Internet in support of NGOs in South Africa. For more information contact David Barnard or Matthew de Gale on +27 11 403-4935 or e-mail: info@sangonet.org.za MDGs, NGO Web Awards, OD... In the foreword to the United Nations (UN) Millennium Development Goals 2009 Report, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon writes: "We have made important progress in this effort, and have many successes on which to build. But we have been moving too slowly to meet our goals. And today, we face a global economic crisis whose full repercussions have yet to be felt. At the very least, it will throw us off course in a number of key areas, particularly in the developing countries. At worst, it could prevent us from keeping our promises, plunging millions more into poverty and posing a risk of social and political unrest. That is an outcome we must avoid at all costs". Writing about the relevance of the MDG goals for South Africa, in this week's edition of NGO Pulse, Karen Peters, team leader at NWSSDF, argues that civil society engagement with the MDG processes has been limited and the South Africa country report on the MDGs has not included civil society concerns. She writes: "The global Stand Up and Take Action campaign has gone some way to address this top down approach to the MDGs by encouraging citizen's voices and participation in the MDG process. In South Africa, questions that need to be asked, for instance, include whether individuals and communities would ask for the prioritisation of some goals over others? Or, would they include new goals that are not contained in the eight MDGs, as other countries such as Vietnam has done?" Click here to read the full article . This week we end our series on organisational development (OD) as Stuart Allen shares the practicalities of implementing an OD process. Allen offers a number of reasons why OD processes fail, including loss of interest by the leadership team because of other 'crises', losing perspective of interventions versus programmes, poorly managed consultants, and leaders who hijack the process. "One of the most important ideas to consider is that OD is something we should ideally do with others, not to them. If we bring a sense of superiority to the OD process, we are going to alienate others. Communication, participation, involvement, feedback and empowerment are vital in gaining support and commitment. By making others part of the process, we help them to own the outcomes", he writes. Click here to read the full article . Remember to register for the 2009 SANGONeT Social Media for NGOs Conference taking place from 15-16 October in Johannesburg, and 20-21 October 2009 in Cape Town. Lastly, look out for the shortlisted entries for the 2009 SANGONeT NGO Web Awards in next week's edition. Thank you to all the NGOs and CBOs who have entered this year's competition. As always we invite your comments and suggestions NGO Pulse Team, editor@sangonet.org.za New Jobs, Proposals & Events Employment Opportunities * Youth Unlimited, a partnership programme aiming to create opportunities for youth that will assist them to become fulfilled and responsible members of society, seeks to appoint a Youth Worker to be based in Cape Town. The application deadline is 2 October 2009. For more information, click here . * WHEAT Women's Fund, a grantmaking initiative that promotes a culture of giving to develop grassroots women's leadership, seeks to appoint a Grants Liaison Officer to be based in Cape Town. The application deadline is 5 October 2009. For more information, click here . * Tomorrow Trust, a NGO whose mission is to have a meaningful and sustainable impact on the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children through education, seeks to appoint a Programme Manager to be based in Johannesburg. The application deadline is 15 October. For more information, click here . * To view other vacancies, click here . Proposals, Grants & Awards * The Ministries in the Presidency - National Planning Commission and Performance Monitoring and Evaluation - are calling for public comment on the Green Paper on National Strategic Planning and Policy Document on Improving Government Performance. The submission deadline is 15 October 2009. For more information, click here . * The Faculty of Humanities at the University of Johannesburg invites applications for its Postdoctoral Fellowships. The value of the fellowship is R160 000 per annum. The submission deadline is 6 November 2009. For more information, click here . * Google is calling for entries for the Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship: Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Recipients will each receive a EUR7 000 (or equivalent) scholarship. The submission deadline is 1 February 2010. For more information, click here . * To view other opportunities, click here . New Events * Sonke Gender Justice Network, in partnership with the Swedish International Development Agency, Commonwealth Foundation, United Nations Children's Fund ESARO Regional Office for Eastern and Southern Africa and the Ford Foundation, is hosting the MenEngage Africa Symposium from 5-9 October 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . * The Legal Resources Centre, a NGO that uses the law as an instrument for justice for the vulnerable and marginalised, is hosting the Bram Fischer Memorial Lecture 2009 on 13 November 2009 in Johannesburg. For more information, click here . * Inyathelo -- The South African Institute for Advancement, a NGO that assists organisations to develop a professional approach to raising donor investment required to advance their objectives, is hosting its 2009 Conference from 2-5 November 2009 in Cape Town. For more information, click here . Training * The School of Development Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal invites applications for the Masters in Development Studies and Masters in Population Studies. The application deadline is 30 October 2009. For more information, click here . * The Gordon Institute of Business Science invites applications for the Social Entrepreneurship Certificate Programme 2010. The application deadline is 31 October 2009. For more information, click here . * Southern Hemisphere is hosting a Project Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation using Logical Framework Approach and Evidence-based Monitoring and Evaluation training workshop from 2--6 November 2009 in Pretoria. The registration deadline is 9 October 2009. For more information, click here . Latest News Flashes Recent LOCAL news items: * Relief Fund Set Up for Attack Victims * Clothing Workers Strike Continues * COPE Youth Oppose Leader's Suspension * Supercomputer Hits South African Shores * Youth Still Vulnerable to Violence * NPO CEO Probed After Fraud Allegations Recent INTERNATIONAL news items: * Child Hunger to Increase Due to Climate Change * HIV on the Decline in Zimbabwe * Buses to Dent ICT Access in Rwanda * Exploitation of Children Booms in Southeast Asia * Africa on the Agenda at G20 * Google Turns Eleven Non-profit Analysis and Opinions * Book: Towards Full and Decent Employment * Book: The New Development Economics * Book: Reclaiming Development * Book: The Social Economy * Book: The Aid Triangle * Toolkit: ICTs and Women's Equality: APC and the Gender Evaluation Methodology (GEM) * Portal: Citizen Journalism in Africa Project Copyright Unless otherwise stated, content on the NGO Pulse website is licenced under Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works . Subscriptions TO SUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "subscribe me". If you have the time to elaborate in just a line or two, we are keen to find out about your professional and development interests. TO UNSUBSCRIBE: send an email request to nicolle@sangonet.org.za with the subject "unsubscribe me" along with your e-mail address. -------------- next part -------------- Skipped content of type multipart/related