[WSIS CS-Plenary] [WSIS THETHA] THETHA - The SANGONeT ICT Discussion Forum - 6 April 2004

[Sangonet]

TO ALL SANGONeT USERS

THETHA - THE SANGONeT ICT DISCUSSION FORUM

"Survival & Prosperity in the NGO Sector - The Role of Technology
in Strengthening Organisational Capacity"

6 April 2004

In March 2003 the Southern African NGO Network (SANGONeT) launched Thetha:
The SANGONeT ICT Discussion Forum. This initiative aims to provide civil
society organisations with an opportunity to discuss information
communication technology (ICT) issues of common concern and to learn from
one another's experiences.

The next Thetha will be held on Tuesday, 6 April 2004, from 09h00-13h00 at
SANGONeT's new offices at 76 Juta Street in Braamfontein.

During the past few years the South African NGO sector has experienced
dramatic changes. The funding and related crises experienced by NGOs in the
1990s have been well documented. Many NGOs were forced to close down because
of a lack of funding and related organisational problems.

The critical challenge which continues to confront many NGOs relates to
their capacity to make a fundamental contribution to finding long-term and
sustainable solutions to South Africa's development problems.

In this regard the strengthening of NGOs' capacity for service delivery
increasingly requires that attention be given to their ability to use,
manage and implement as well as integrate ICTs as part of their activities.
Although many South African NGOs are already active users of ICTs, much more
needs to be done to build the capacity of the sector in this regard.

SANGONeT is currently in the process of establishing various new partnership
and brokering arrangements in support of its ICT service delivery activities
and services to the South African NGO sector.

To assist SANGONeT in developing these ICT services, we would like to invite
you to a Thetha on "Survival & Prosperity in the NGO Sector - The Role of
Technology in Strengthening Organisational Capacity."

You are encouraged to assess your ICT needs in preparation for this Thetha,
and to bring this information with you to share with other participants.
Information of specific interest to SANGONeT include your organisation's ICT
capacity (number of computers, printers, etc.), skills, applications and
contributions to your activities, annual ICT budget, services providers, and
specific needs and requirements which require attention and support.

If you are interested in participating in the Thetha, please contact Martha
Thibedi or Refilwe Rakhibane at SANGONeT before 2 April 2004:

Tel: (011) 403-4935 / E-mail: thetha at sangonet.org.za

Participation in the Thetha is free of charge.

For more information on Thetha - The SANGONeT ICT Discussion Forum, please
visit the SANGONeT website @ http://www.sangonet.org.za

"Come Thetha with us"


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