Public Statement by the Duly Elected Representatives of the NPO/NGO National Networks Sector
Given Hlanganisa’s history of convening the social justice sector, they were requested to convene the NPO/NGO National Networks Sector of the National Dialogue.
We, the 3 individuals duly nominated and elected to represent the NPO/NGO National Networks Sector on the National Dialogue Steering Committee, wish to set the record straight on the sectoral nomination and voting process convened by the Hlanganisa Community Fund. We do this in the spirit of promoting harmony, unity of purpose and collaboration.
Given Hlanganisa’s history of convening the social justice sector, they were requested to convene the NPO/NGO National Networks Sector of the National Dialogue. It is our assessment that at every stage, the coordination was guided by the Convention Organising Committee (COC) and conducted in a transparent, participatory, and documented manner.
Following clarification from the COC, the scope of the NPO/NGO National Networks sector was understood to only include those organisations that act as networks/coalitions/consortia of multiple NPOs/NGOs. Standalone NPOs/NGOs were advised to join sectors that are closes to their areas of work.On 4 September 2025, Hlanganisa convened a duly constituted consultation of the NPO/NGO National Networks sector, observed by a COC member, where broad consensus was reached that the Alliance of NPO Networks (ANNET) would form part of the Steering Committee on behalf of the sector.
This was followed by a nomination and voting process to elect 2 additional representatives for the sector on 8 September 2025. On advice from the COC, this process included the constitution of an electoral college on the principle of “one organisation, one vote”, the administration of a technology facilitated open nominations where all sector members were invited to put forward names, and the holding of a technology facilitated voting process with ample time provided for organisational consultation.
The final stage, which was intended to confirm the top three representatives and facilitate the submission of bios to the COC for finalisation was undertaken on 10 September 2025 once all complaints had been resolved by the COC.
Based on the above process, which we believe to be materially sound, fair and democratic,the duly elected representatives of the NPO/NGO Networks sector are as follows:
1. Jimmy Gotyana – Alliance of NPO Networks (ANNET)
2. Dr. Valencia Andrews – Patient User Network (PUN)
3. Cynthia Chishimba – Civil Society Unmuted Coalition SA (CSUCSA)
We, the above-named representatives, affirm that this process was legitimate, fair, and conducted with integrity. The records, including consultation proceedings, electoral college lists, and nomination/voting platforms, are publicly accessible and stand as evidence of the transparency and fairness of the process.
The concerns and complaints that were previously disseminated within the public domain by some members of the sector are regretful, misleading and do not align with the principles of fairness, accountability, truth and humility with which we intent engaging in the National Dialogue.We regret further the unmerited reputational harm caused to the Hlanganisa Community Fund and its staff members.
We continue to value the contribution of Hlanganisa to the sector and trust that all stakeholders will work together in ways that demonstrate integrity, accountability and good faith as we continue to collectively engage the National Dialogue process.
Signed:·
Dr. Valencia Andrews (PUN)·
Cynthia Chishimba (CSUCSA)·
Jimmy Gotyana (ANNET)
Given Hlanganisa’s history of convening the social justice sector, they were requested to convene the NPO/NGO National Networks Sector of the National Dialogue. It is our assessment that at every stage, the coordination was guided by the Convention Organising Committee (COC) and conducted in a transparent, participatory, and documented manner.
Following clarification from the COC, the scope of the NPO/NGO National Networks sector was understood to only include those organisations that act as networks/coalitions/consortia of multiple NPOs/NGOs. Standalone NPOs/NGOs were advised to join sectors that are closes to their areas of work.On 4 September 2025, Hlanganisa convened a duly constituted consultation of the NPO/NGO National Networks sector, observed by a COC member, where broad consensus was reached that the Alliance of NPO Networks (ANNET) would form part of the Steering Committee on behalf of the sector.
This was followed by a nomination and voting process to elect 2 additional representatives for the sector on 8 September 2025. On advice from the COC, this process included the constitution of an electoral college on the principle of “one organisation, one vote”, the administration of a technology facilitated open nominations where all sector members were invited to put forward names, and the holding of a technology facilitated voting process with ample time provided for organisational consultation.
The final stage, which was intended to confirm the top three representatives and facilitate the submission of bios to the COC for finalisation was undertaken on 10 September 2025 once all complaints had been resolved by the COC.
Based on the above process, which we believe to be materially sound, fair and democratic,the duly elected representatives of the NPO/NGO Networks sector are as follows:
1. Jimmy Gotyana – Alliance of NPO Networks (ANNET)
2. Dr. Valencia Andrews – Patient User Network (PUN)
3. Cynthia Chishimba – Civil Society Unmuted Coalition SA (CSUCSA)
We, the above-named representatives, affirm that this process was legitimate, fair, and conducted with integrity. The records, including consultation proceedings, electoral college lists, and nomination/voting platforms, are publicly accessible and stand as evidence of the transparency and fairness of the process.
The concerns and complaints that were previously disseminated within the public domain by some members of the sector are regretful, misleading and do not align with the principles of fairness, accountability, truth and humility with which we intent engaging in the National Dialogue.We regret further the unmerited reputational harm caused to the Hlanganisa Community Fund and its staff members.
We continue to value the contribution of Hlanganisa to the sector and trust that all stakeholders will work together in ways that demonstrate integrity, accountability and good faith as we continue to collectively engage the National Dialogue process.
Signed:·
Dr. Valencia Andrews (PUN)·
Cynthia Chishimba (CSUCSA)·
Jimmy Gotyana (ANNET)
