PRESS STATEMENT ON BDP AIDS BILLBOARD

ARE POLITICAL PARTIES USING OUR NGOs?

DITSHWANELO – The Botswana Centre for Human Rights seeks to congratulate its sister and brother NGOs in publicly taking a stand concerning the need for a clear distinction between Government and Party.

The BDP Billboard which features an NGO colleague effectively advertising that the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) provides HIV/AIDS drugs for free is cause for serious concern for two reasons.

Firstly, the HIV/AIDS epidemic is a national challenge and not the sole preserve of any political parties. It is being dealt with by our national government, as well as by the private sector, churches, political parties, media, NGOs and individuals. In addition to this, donors have provided funds to the Government and civil society to enable them to conduct their HIV/AIDS activities. To imply that everyone who is engaged in dealing with the HIV/AIDS issue, is either a member or supporter of the BDP because it is the ruling party, is a complete falsehood. For the BDP to imply that work done in this field has only been possible because of the party, is extremely insincere. For these reasons, DITSHWANELO supports the call for the BDP to remove the billboard.

Secondly, the involvement of a member of an NGO raises a number of issues. Ms Ditsebe-Mhone undoubtedly has the right, in her personal capacity, to hold her own political views and to vote for the party of her choice. However, such involvement in her capacity as an NGO leader in the field of HIV/AIDS, risks the blurring of the different roles of NGOs and political parties. It is important that NGOs, under the auspices of BOCONGO, work to ensure that there is clarity concerning the role, ethics and principles of NGOs. For too long, NGOs on our continent have been criticised by Governments for being ‘political parties in disguise’. The BDP Billboard issue illustrates how easily such blurring between NGO and political party can be effected. The potential consequences would be detrimental to the independence and ability of NGOs in Botswana to speak and work on behalf of those citizens who experience discrimination, exclusion and poverty. For these reasons, DITSHWANELO calls upon its sister and brother NGOs to continuously reflect upon the value of principled independent thinking for the benefit of the constituencies whom we all aim to serve.

8 September 2004
Gaborone