By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE: Thembinkosi Dlamini,the Executive Director of the Coordinating Assembly of Non-Governmental Organizations(CANGO) has confirmed that,the civil society is facing a serious financial crisis amid scarcity of international donors since the eruption of the war in Ukraine and Gaza.

The Executive Director was responding to this Swaziland News on Wednesday afternoon after being approached to clarify the financial situation amid reports suggesting that, some organizations under CANGO that include Save the Children Eswatini are facing financial challenges and as a result,a number of workers are already at home.

“It’s true that, the civil society is facing scarcity of international donors,after the eruption of the war in Ukraine and Gaza,the developed countries that were supporting us are focusing to assist in those countries including climate change.The civil society is doing an important job of bringing development in communities including change on national policies and laws to create a better society.But unfortunately, local companies are focusing more on funding charity projects that will promote their brands, issues of Gender Based Violence(GBV) and other social ills are not being prioritized.We urge companies to consider changing their approach and fund programs within the society that seeks to create a better society”, said the CANGO Director.

Efforts to seek a comment from Dumsani Mnisi,the Executive Director of the Save the Children Eswatini, proved unsuccessful at the time of compiling this report.

On another note,the Eswatini Action Group Against Abuse(SWAGAA) recently received a donation of fuel worth fifty thousand Rands(R50,000.00)from Southern Star Logistics, SWAGAA Director Nonhlanhla Dlamini then urged more local companies to support the organization amid scarcity of resources.

Civil society organizations, despite being an important pillar in national development and policy making,are not funded by the State but,rely heavily on donors to fund their operations.