Sunshine NGO Forum’s first event to co-ordinate efforts

Something exciting is happening in Port Alfred and the Ndlambe region – people who have been busy helping others through various development initiatives are coming together to optimise their efforts.

The Sunshine NGO Forum is hosting its first annual event on December 10, from 10am to 4pm at Stenden SA.

The purpose of this event is to enhance collaboration between the various NGOs and active development practitioners in Ndlambe.

The Forum website, www.sunshine.ngo, has more than 80 listings. Included are 25 development NGOs.

The rest comprise charity NGOs, government departments, church projects and service groups such as Rotary, Round Table and Lions.

Most are based in Port Alfred, focused on this area.

Some include the Ndlambe region in their scope, while others are based in Alexandria, Kleinemonde, Kenton-on-Sea, Bushmans and Bathurst.

We hope to extend the network in these other areas.

At present, the forum is made up of volunteer development aid enthusiasts.

Meetings were held to initiate an action plan which is currently being implemented.

The purpose of the NGO forum is to enable development practitioners to establish a unified, integrated and holistic development strategy for the area, and create a platform where developers can brainstorm, learn and optimise delivery of aid.

The plan is to offer those facing development challenges a one-stop development hub catering to all needs, and to offer volunteers and donors a trustworthy and transparent platform where they know their gifts and donations are optimally benefiting those who need them.

Helping is not easy. One could easily, for instance, create dependency.

The analogy of the fish vs the fishing rod comes to mind. But sometimes a fish needs to forego the fishing rod. And at other times by understanding why people do not have a fishing rod, a solution becomes apparent, not to speak of the importance that those without a fishing rod should own the process of obtaining one.

This is no easy task but NGOs are at the forefront of figuring out how best to help and have come a long way.

There are proven models today for eradicating poverty, in all its diversity. It is only a matter of co-ordinating our efforts and resources.

These activities are only possible because of the people of Ndlambe. It is overwhelming to see how willing Ndlambe people are to give.

We want to thank Stenden University for its continuous support of the NGO sector and for addressing the many development challenges in our area.

We especially want to thank Tracey Painting and her event planning students Franca Vulker, Kevin van der Laan, Marinde Walta, Esther Buis, Huub van Dijke, Chiel Doornink and Logan Hurn for making this event a reality.

Please share any information on development initiatives in the Ndlambe area through email: info@sunshine.ngo or call 073-897-9179 or visit

to join.