I fathom that NGOs are imperative to be of assistance to any government. However, we shouldn’t neglect the realities that come with and from NGOs. Most NGOs comes with terms and conditions, “the hand that feeds you, controls you” aspect is very much the equivalent in this era and century. So, just how effective are NGOs? Will they have the aptitude to be implemental tools for good governance without being bias? Is it possible for NGOs to implement good governance fairly, transparently and accordingly without pushing a hidden agenda? The answers to the above-mentioned are a paradox. It is an enigma of its own that needs proper dissection and or perusal, whilst taking cognizance of all the positive change NGOs are able to convey in ALL levels. Also, “Perception of Interpretation” shall be observed in my findings. The following are my thesis;

NGO – Non Governmental Organization

• According to Wikipedia, non-governmental organization (NGO) is any non-profit, voluntary citizens’ group which is organized on a local, national or international level. In other words, the organization should NOT be dedicated at making a profit.

Objectives of an NGO

• NGO – brings the balance, of rich and poor, ethical development, inclusion, counter social unfairness, voices of the vulnerable, watchdog of development.

Structures Representing for Social Development

• Government – Policy Making à Responsibility à Accountability
• NGO – Civil Societies àEthical Development àMake a positive change
• Private Sector – Business Development à Investments à Profit àReinforce Economy

According to Mr.Dana Chengan’s presentation on Good Governance in NGOs, the below is the “Impact of Good Governance in Youth Organisation and or NGOs (of which I agree) ;

• Promotes TRUST in the organisation and its
• Improves morale among staff and stakeholders.

• Enhances services to the public and stakeholders.
• Improves decision making and quality of these decisions
• Connects your organisation è Board/Members/Stakeholders
• Enhances the perception of the organisation among people and stakeholders.
• Improves the ability to weather a crisis.
• Improves financial and resources stability. ”  

The following mechanisms can be employed to ensure good governance;

The mechanisms that have emerged in recent times to ensure the good governance of NGOs working in Namibia can be attributed in part to the interactions and exchanges between international and national NGOs. While many national NGOs, whether at a national level, have arrangements such as a board of directors, there is still a significant gap between their adoption and their effectiveness. Here, it is useful to consider three mechanisms or arrangements identified by interviewees that are important aspects of accountability and transparency: a board of directors, strategic planning, and direct involvement by key stakeholders. By focusing on the importance of each mechanism, it is possible to understand the relations between national and international NGOs and the level of exchange between the two in creating more accountable systems.

Having a board of directors for an NGO is a general indication of its infrastructure for accountability, as the organization is accountable to a group of individuals appointed from beyond the organization. One of the greatest weaknesses of national NGOs is their governing system. Most National NGOs do not have a board of directors because of the difficulty in establishing one, and also in finding willing and experienced local people to sit on the board. For National NGOs that have established a board of directors, it is not uncommon for the head of the organization to preside over the board. The selection of the board members must come under scrutiny to determine the board’s impartiality and objectivity. It is appropriate to query the objectivity of a board in seeking to guarantee that the organization is free from any wrong-doing or unprofessional practices.

In conclusion, all that is left for NGOs is to operate on trust which is both respectable and perilous.