SANGONet web awards opens

Network of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) based in Southern African known as SANGONet is set to host its members to a three-day annual conference and exhibition tagged “ICTs for Civil Society” in Johannesburg.

SANGONet also said that this was precipitated by the overall strategic objective of the NGOs’ awareness of the importance of their websites, even as it invited members to enter for “South African NGO Web Awards 2006”.

Official online news bulletin of the group made available to ITREALMS Online said that this is the second edition of the event, which it said, is to build on the success of the 2005 edition.

This year’s conference, the organisers said would focus on a wide range of policy issues and practical Information and Communication Technology (ICT) solutions and applications relevant to the work of civil society within the region.

The conference, officials said, would have a strong focus on free and open source software and open content issues, just as the second day of the event, March 8, has been dedicated to Open Source.

Ultimate aim of the conference, ITREALMS Online was informed is to expose participants to a wide range

of ICT-related issues that impact on the work of NGOs in Southern Africa and the environment in which they operate.

Programme of the event also made available to correspondent indicated that a combination of plenary sessions, breakaway sessions and practical technology demonstrations.

“The conference is aimed at senior staff, communication and information officers, and technical employees in the NGO sector, as well as individuals who work with these organisations, including international funding agencies, the private sector, parastatals and government,” the organisation stated.