South West: Civil society gets new leadership

The South West Civil Society Organisation, SWeCSON, an organisation made up of Non-governmental Organisations, NGOs in the region, met recently to elect a new executive. During the meeting, some members said they were not comfortable with the former executive led by Ngwese during its time in office since 2009.

Despite the criticisms, some of their achievements were lauded such as participatory budgeting now practised in most councils in the region. The outgoing management team also succeeded to implant the organisation in five regions.

Following the election, which brought Louis Nkembi to the helm, his team announced plans to carry SWeCSON further, especially in the fight for the voiceless. Nkembi said he plans to set up a Vision Committee to study the action plan and possible projects to be carried out.

He added that his team will adopt a matrix to nurture young civil society groups by putting together NGO centres to oversee them. The new management will equally print receipt booklets for greater accountability. The new SWeCSON President promised to lobby for funds to support sub-regional priorities. He explained that they want to build specialties so that they can have role models in different sectors where they will stay focused.

There are also plans to set up a website. Louis Nkembi called on members to make their contributions, promising to steer clear of politics. Meanwhile, most members were excited at the election of Nkembi, describing him as focused.

As the owner of an NGO, his supporters say they believe with him as leader, the South West Civil Society Organisation will be in a stronger position to defend the interests of the region. ‘We expect an aggressive approach from the new executive,” some of them declared.