The Southern African Non-Government Organisations Network (Sangonet) kicked off its third annual two-day ICTs for Civil Society conference this morning in Illovo, Johannesburg.
Coinciding with the organisation's 20th anniversary celebrations, this year's event will focus on the theme "applications for the development sector".
Delegates will also be provided with the opportunity to reflect on the progress South African NGOs have made over the past 20 years in adopting and integrating ICT, says David Barnard, Sangonet executive director.
"We have the deputy minister of communications, Roy Padayachie, providing the keynote address, and several international speakers will provide local NGOs with perspective on their efforts, as well as ideas for new initiatives," he explains.
Although NGOs are at the forefront of the fight against poverty and inequality, Sangonet says little attention is given to their ability to use, manage and integrate ICT as part of their activities.
"Without a significant change in the status of the current ICT situation in the sector, the potential impact of ICT on the work of South African NGOs will continue to be limited," it says.
The overall objective of the conference is to expose civil society organisations to a wide range of ICT issues, says Sangonet. This will empower them with information and skills to strengthen their understanding of the role and relevance of ICT in support of their work, as well as their participation in ICT-related policy and advocacy processes.
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