NC CSO sight positive change post 2024 elections

Delegates of the Northern Cape Civil Society Organization (CSO) expect positive change in their communities after next years’ national elections.

More than 200 CSO activists from across South Africa last week attended a three-day National Consultative Conference in Boksburg, hosted by Kagiso Trust under the theme “Civil Society Unmuted”.

The delegates dialogued about Electoral and Social Compacting for which during the commissions – activists’ beliefs rose to boiling point as they tried to reach resolutions.

The CSO requested South African Independently Electoral Commission that during the process of registration, the political parties stands should not be proximate to the IEC premises. This conveys manipulative behavior and causes a conundrum for the potential voters.

The CSO #Unmuted promise to effectively crackdown on Gender-Based Violence, service delivery, holding government accountable, and strengthening government monitoring and regulating framework.

McDonald Keetsaming, CSO #Unmuted communication in the Northern Cape said there is a lack of governess hence corruption increment.

“corruption is negatively affecting our communities development. The CSO needs to be capacitated to able to deliver solid justice for local communities” and “there is an influx of illegal migration. The immigration act needs to be reviewed and strengthened”.

Lisa Seftel, National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC) executive director presented a social compact suggesting that the CSO collaborate with the government and private sector, working towards community development. The condition will require that co-governance parties trust each other “Working together will prevent lobbying and protesting”. Additionally, they are in the process of amending the NEDLAC Bill.

Seftel further rattled feathers as delegates opposed joining the NEDLAC institution due to proposed membership entry processes. “The membership application acceptance will be conducted by the minister and the presidency,” she said. The CSO felt that this would authorize and promote corruption.

Boichokwe Dithlake, Civil Society program manager at Kagisho Trust said they are optimistic following the intensive dialogue conducted and the resolution document drafted will see to achieving the goal aimed.

Meanwhile, the youth and LGBTQIA+ community caucus cooked something, eagle eyeing their generational hurdles and came up with practical ways to eradicate the challenges they facing.