| Reflections on the NLDTF Indaba |
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 The 2-day national consultative indaba, hosted by the NLDTF on 21st and 22nd June, which was a culmination of several provincial consultative engagements by the fund with civil society. With about 700 delegates present, the aim of the Indaba was to garner inputs on the overall governance, structure and opertaions of the fund. The format of the indaba started with a historical overview of the fund, its structure, model, challenges and achievements. This was followed by breakaway commissions according to the following sub-topics: 1) Where should the money go for Maximum Impact? Policy, Priorities & Reach 2) How should it be done? 3) Managing Risk, Governance & Sustainability. These commissions were then reported on the following day, followed by seven (7) resolutions proclaimed by the CEO. • The bulk of the challenges and frustrations experienced by users, fall in the area of administration e.g inexperienced and untrained staff, negligence relating to applications, poor filing systems etc. The lack of sound and proper systems was starkly apparent, an area that lies squarely within the function of the C.O.O. This reflects a high level of inefficient on the funds part, and surely the use of performance targets and associated punitive measures to tighten up the operations would be very beneficial. • Need for greater alignment with national priorities. Minister Davies acknowledged this area as a current shortcoming and reflected on the relationship to the 12 outcomes as set out by the M&E Ministry. The revised funding model should be more tightly aligned to these outcomes, as part of the broader developmental agenda. • Currently, 55% of applications are declined due to ‘insufficient mandatory information’ in the process. This is a staggering number followed by a call by many of the delegates on the need to be thoroughly workshopped by the NLDTF as the all the funding criteria and process. This further frustrates and delays the process particularly with the once-per-annum call and adds even further delays to applicants with very little if not no assistance by the NLDTF. • Challenging experiences reported by the NLDTF included fraud, ‘double-dipping’conflict of interests, low impact projects, dependency. Whilst these are problematic, many of them would and could be mitigated if the Fund had an M&E system as part of its good governance in order to assess risks. Its own internal controls are also important in this process to limit fraud and monitor funding and outcomes. • Legislative reforms are underway and some recommendations were the inclusion of co-ops as qualifying for funding, and a general ‘softening’ of criteria for smaller grants and possible re-structuring of the organs of governance to deliver on the mandate of the Fund as effectively and efficiently as possible. The location of the Fund and accountability lines were in question, however no consensus on this matter. I, however did not get a sense that its location was a major problem, however its management was a key issue. • Decentralisation of powers & authority was fairly largely supported and reflected on the ability of provincial centres to closely monitor, empower and support at that level. Overall, it was highly interactive process which gave clear ways to improve the governance structures and process of the Fund. Should the recommendations of the indaba be incorporated and implemented; the Fund could be even more effective as a change agent in development. Although there were varying views on the issues of governance and accountability and what priority areas should be; there was overwhelming consensus on the management of the Fund and its need for greater efficiency. The leadership of the Fund indicated a follow up session to this indaba; I think a separate sector-specific forum would be helpful and more focused. Read more here: The opening address by Minister Davies at the indaba: http://www.ngopulse.org/resource/opening-address-minister-rob-davies-national-lotteries-board-conference The recently launched research report by the Funding Practice Allinace based in Cape Town, can be found here: http://www.inyathelo.org.za/fpa/ An almost ancient item written by Rajesh Latchman in August 2006 calling for the establishment of regulations to govern the NLDTF. http://www.ngopulse.org/article/lobbying-changes-lotteries-fund And in the week before the indaba, another missive from Rajesh Latchman, this time taking a broader view of the ways of working between government and civil society. Thankfully, it is just a blog and not an official NWF position! http://www.ngopulse.org/blogs/anyone-home-perspective-way-we-work Jenean Pretorious, along with Phiroshaw Camay, Glenn Farred and Rajesh Latchman are part of the team currently working on the final research paper on the NLDTF and NDA, titled CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON FUNDING: CIVIL SOCIETY & SOCIAL CHANGE. The research project is a joint initative by SANGONeT, CAFSA, CORE, LRC and the NWF under the banner of the Coalition on Civil Society Resource Mobilisation. If you wish to receive an invitation to the launch of the report later this year, please send an email with the subject line “Research Report request” to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Bookmark this article:          |
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