It is surprising that Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs), which often lead the onslaught on public duty-bearers when they act contrary to good governance principles, have been embroiled in squables.
We are, therefore, shocked to learn that all is not well at NGO-GCN and the Council for Non- Governmental Organisations as some of their affiliates are calling for Annual General Meetings (AGMs) after observing that board members are holding on to positions long after their tenure of office expired.
Apparently thoroughly inflamed, some of the affiliates have brought the issues in the open, an indication that they have failed to resolve the issues internally.
But It must be borne in mind that NGOs need to reconcile the deeply sensible task of correcting wrongs in society with open and accountable management of their own affairs, so that they can be seen to be living what they preach.
This will give the NGOs an air of importance, as they seek to continue putting checks and balances on the government.
Considering the lapses in public administration in Malawi, the country needs strong NGOs. But this strength would be an elusive idea if disagreements rock NGOs, hence there is need for them to put their house in order.
This, in this case, means holding the AGMs.
Otherwise, people of ill will may take advantage of the wrangling to plant seeds of discord and kill the NGOs. This means there would be nobody to support government’s efforts and point at wrongs when the government is, as it often does, losing track.
Let sanity prevail in NGOs.
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