Strengthening Communities Through Networking

What a dynamic, complex, and diverse group of partners! says NACOSA’s Community-based Organisations Networking Manager, Bulelwa Mshumpela.

Community-led networks and organisations are at the forefront of addressing HIV, TB, and gender-based violence (GBV) by mobilising communities and improving access to essential services. Through its programmes, NACOSA works with a diverse range of community-based organisations that come together regularly to share experiences, document successes, and collaborate on solutions to common challenges.

The networking events and engagements hosted by NACOSA are more than just meetings—they are vital touchpoints for collaboration. “Networking with other organisations is very important because we are able to refer our clients, and they can refer theirs to us. This kind of collaboration ensures that no one falls through the cracks,” says Matshego Pitsi from Moswen NGO.

This sentiment is echoed by Nancy Nthako from Protiro Caregivers, who believes in the power of partnerships. “Organisations are not islands. We all need to work together to assist and educate our communities,” She says.

Through capacity-building training, continuous mentoring, often coupled with financial support, NACOSA empowers its partners to effectively deliver services and sustain operations. The training focuses on areas such as governance, leadership, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation.

“It’s like accompanying partner organisations to grow in all areas,” explains Bulelwa Mshumpela, Community-based Organisations (CBO) Network Manager, NACOSA. “This well-rounded approach supports organisational development in a sustainable manner.”

However, managing such a diverse network also comes with challenges. Communication across multiple languages and cultures, coordinating different organisational goals, and addressing varying levels of resources and capacity are just a few hurdles NACOSA faces.

The network includes partners from different sectors, like academia, government, and community organisations—both in South Africa and internationally. NACOSA has successfully brought this diverse group together with remarkable coordination.

“Balancing the needs and interests of all partners while ensuring they remain engaged is no easy feat,” Mshumpela continues. “But we’ve seen how critical collaboration is to our success.”

For Priscilla Smith from Women to Women, sustainability is key: “Running an organisation is tough. You have to think deeply about what it means to be self-sustainable. For us, that’s our focus as we move forward.” Smith adds that quarterly meetings organised by NACOSA are valuable for learning and networking. “These platforms help us grow, share, and continue the important work we do.”

Collaboration is key to the success of NACOSA’s networks. By sharing resources and expertise, partners can reach more people and provide better support. “CBOs are the foot soldiers,” says Kagisho Lekwene, who works in mobile HIV counselling and testing. “They implement what government cannot do,” He concludes.

Looking ahead, NACOSA is focused on strengthening collaboration and connection across its networks to make a bigger difference in communities. As NACOSA CBO Networks Manager puts it, “The more we work together, the more sustainable our efforts become. By joining forces, we can secure the resources and support needed for lasting solutions.”