The power of awareness campaigns and involvement of NGOs,PBOs,NPOs and CBOs in programmes uplifting our communities.

On the 16th of June 2009 my organization Qaphelani Community Outreach Project together with the following stakeholders: Department of Health and Department of Social Development, Aurum Institute, Onelove and Soul City Institute Health & Development Communication, Churches, schools and young citizens of Newcastle Municipality - Osizweni and surroung rural areas had a joint exercise awareness Youth Struggle Against HIV/AIDS event.

The main purpose of this event was to give light to our young citizen in issues pertaining HIV/AIDS infection and risks. Amajuba District is one of the districts rated a high rate of HIV/AIDS infection, since most population go to cities like Durban, Johannesburg and so forth for work and education when they come back they are sick. Qaphelani Community Outreach Project as it specialise with Community Home Based Care Service and HIV/AIDS Peer Education for High Schools oversee that importance of having this event for our community.

With the help of Mr. Themba Motaung from Soul City Institute and other committed stakeholders from various sectors the event was able to materialise. When Kwanda was introduced on SABC1 I was very happy to see that intiative of developing communities by this programme.I believe that Kwanda television series will equip organization working with communities to do even more better since government won't be able to reach every communities.

I was very happy to see KwaZulu/Natal Provencial Government initiating a programme WAR ON POVERTY, which is a good project for our communities by involving NGOs a flagship task team.
The programme also worries me out because the proper channels are not follow by the same government officials in identifying beneficiaries for this programme and NGOs although they are working hand in hand with needy communities but the are not proper notify by government.

NGOs has to fight every time before services has to be rendered to our communities in shortly I want to say we have major role to play in our communities by involving many stakeholders as we can to develop them.