INTRODUCTION
NACOSA (NETWORKING AIDS COMMUNITY OF SOUTH AFRICA) is a NGO (Non Government Organisation) based in Western Cape, servicing the Western Cape and has recently expanded to 3 other Provinces.  NACOSA provides organisational capacity building (mentoring and training in organisational development and technical skills), networking and promotes dialogue to empower organisations to respond to the impact of HIV/AIDS and TB.

BACKGROUND AND FOCUS
In 1992, the National AIDS Coordinating Committee of South Africa (NACOSA) was launched with a mandate to develop a national strategy on HIV and AIDS. Cabinet endorsed this strategy in 1994.

A review of NACOSA in 1997 highlighted the need for a multi-sectoral approach to the problem. This led to the development, through a consultative process, of the National Strategic Framework for HIV, AIDS and STIs (the National AIDS Plan).

In 2001 the national organisation dissolved with the Western Cape arm becoming an autonomous and independent organisation, servicing the Western Cape Province. This enabled NACOSA to refocus its energies and strengthen support to its members by developing a comprehensive mentoring and capacity building programme, focusing on mentoring and training as well as technical advice and guidance to NGOs in the Western Cape.

Since then, NACOSA has provided:

• training, mentoring, information, support and networking activities to community-based and non-governmental organisations (CBOs and NGOs)
• A small grants programme to enable CBOs to develop their systems and operations until they become sustainable enought to access more substantial funding;
• technical support to provincial and local government
• a space for dialogue between civil society, government and business
  
  An example of the promoting dialogue function is our quarterly consultative meetings in all districts of the Western Cape as well as Masibambisane summits-bringing the HIV and AIDS cfommunity together to develop a coordinated response to the pandemic on a regular basis (every 2-3 years for one week)

NACOSA also runs two sector-specific programmes: the Children’s HIV/AIDS Network (CHAiN) and the Community Based Care Coalition (CBCC). These previously-independent programmes have been fully integrated into NACOSA’s operations, expanding its scope and ensuring that all HIV/AIDS networking and coordination comes together under one representative structure. It is with this mandate, that NACOSA is elected and represents the collective NGO and CBO community on the Provincial AIDS Council and the Global Funds Management Committee.

NACOSA has extensive experience over the past five years of implementing substantial projects and utilising funds in an effective and responsible manner. Key donors include the Department of Health and Social Development, Oprah Angles Network, the City of Cape Town, the DG Murray Trust, Starfish Greathearts Foundation, the National Development Agency, the Levi Strauss Foundation, the British High Commission and the Rockefeller Brothers Foundation.
 
With a reputation for strong executive oversight, fiscal management and accountability with both its donor partners and the local HIV/AIDS community, NACOSA is well placed to make a real difference in combating the pandemic in the Western Cape and other provinces in South Africa.  It is for this reason that a decision was taken in 2007 to expand our operations to other provinces, starting with the Northern and Eastern Cape and one project in KZN.