NANGO has been holding membership visits with the aim of familiarising with its members and strengthening synergies. The visits are the first of their kind and will extend to the southern, eastern and western regions.
The meetings that have been held so far are giving direction to NANGO while also bringing to the fore issues that individual members are most passionate about and what programming is expected in that regard.
The National Director, Leonard Mandishara has so far met with directors of Counselling Services Unit (CSU), ZimRights, Heal Zimbabwe, Kunzwana Women’s Association, Practical Action, Zimbabwe Association of Crime Prevention and Rehabilitation of the Offender (ZACRO), Harare Residents Trust and Legal Resource Foundation.
The heads of these organisations have concurred that 2018 is a politically complicated year as the country prepares for elections that indicate to be like none other.
CSU director, Dr Frances Lovemore, said there is need for peace champions to be present at every polling station. She also suggested that commissioners should be met so that they are furnished with details of the current political landscape in order for them to find what role they can play in ensuring peaceful, free and fair elections.
Okay Machisa, ZimRights director, asserted that NANGO has a role of liaising with various organisations so that they each find their footing with regards to impending elections.
“Organisations in each sector of NANGO have a crucial role to play during the election period. Players should not be limited to human rights and elections. With the proper engagement NANGO can even sit with humanitarian organisations and deliberate issues around elections,” he said.
Rashid Mahiya, Heal Zimbabwe director, spoke on the need to prevent electoral violence and mitigate effects of violence. He highlighted that this is an ongoing process that should not be limited to election periods.
Harare Residents’ Trust director reiterated the importance of civil society setting the tone as the nation heads for a plebiscite.
“There is need for membership development and leadership development within structures. This will prepare organisations and citizens to handle community conflict that may rise during and after elections,” said Precious Shumba.
Mandishara also met NANGO members in Gweru and Bulawayo where members presented their challenges and proffered solutions that are specific to the regions.
The member organisations encouraged NANGO to hold sector specific programs, open space within sectors to allow for more players and prioritise membership capacity development.
