Frequently Asked Questions

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is a political and economic institution that provides a framework for regional integration in the region. 

The SADC NSA web portal is an online platform that connects civil society organisations, community initiatives, and individuals within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. It provides a central hub for sharing information, resources, and collaboration opportunities. This is in line with SADC’s mission of promoting sustainable development, cooperation, good governance, and peace in the region to enhance its international standing. It also serves as an interface between SADC NSAs and the SADC Secretariat.

The SADC CSO web portal can be used by anyone who is interested in the work of civil society organisations in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

This includes:

• Civil society organisations (CSOs) themselves
• Individuals who are interested in the work of CSOs
• Government officials and policymakers who are interested in engaging with CSOs
• The general public who wants to learn more about CSOs and their work

The portal provides a variety of resources for these different users, including:

• A directory of CSOs in the SADC region
• News and events related to CSOs
• Information on CSOs’ work in various sectors, such as development, human rights, and environmental protection
• Opportunities for CSOs to connect with each other and with government officials and policymakers

The portal is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the work of civil society organisations in the SADC region. It is a place where people can come together to share information, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other.

Here are some of the specific benefits that the portal can offer to different users:

• CSOs: The portal can help CSOs to connect with each other, to find resources and partners, and to raise their visibility.
• Individuals: The portal can help individuals to learn about CSOs and their work, and to get involved in CSO activities.
• Government officials and policymakers: The portal can help government officials and policymakers to understand the work of CSOs and to engage with them on issues of common interest.
• The general public: The portal can help the general public to learn about CSOs and their work, and to support their activities.

Overall, the SADC CSO web portal is a valuable resource for anyone who is interested in the work of civil society organisations in the Southern African Development Community region. It is a place where people can come together to share information, collaborate on projects, and learn from each other.
 

The SADC CSO web portal is a versatile tool for communication, information sharing, and resource sharing among civil society organisations, community initiatives, and the general public within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

This platform is designed to achieve three primary goals:

• Knowledge generation: The portal aims to foster the creation of knowledge by providing a space where valuable insights, research, and expertise from various civil society actors can be shared. Through collaborative efforts, this knowledge can contribute to the region's development and integration goals.
  
• Knowledge sharing: As a hub for information, the portal facilitates the seamless exchange of knowledge and best practices among different stakeholders. It enables civil society organisations to learn from each other's experiences, thus enhancing their collective capacity to address regional challenges effectively.
  
• Connecting to SADC: A central objective of the project is to establish a strong connection between Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the SADC Secretariat. The portal acts as a bridge, allowing CSOs to engage with the SADC Secretariat on matters related to regional integration enhancement. This engagement ensures that CSOs' voices and perspectives are heard in the ongoing efforts to promote sustainable development and cooperation within the SADC region.
  

By utilising the SADC CSO web portal, individuals, organisations, and initiatives can actively participate in these goals, contributing to the overarching goal of advancing regional integration, cooperation, and development as outlined by the Southern African Development Community's mission.
 

To create an account, click on the “Sign Up” or “Register” button on the portal’s homepage. You’ll need to provide some basic information and choose a password. A welcome email with your login credentials will be sent to you.

No, the portal is free to use for anyone interested. However, you will need to register on the portal to access information such as ‘members only’ events. 

Yes. Your personal information is highly secure on the SADC CSO web portal. Advanced encryption, access controls, and regular security updates are in place to protect your data and ensure your privacy.

Look for the 'Contact Us' section in the footer of the portal, where you can submit suggestions, questions, or concerns.

You can use the CSO directory which can be found here: https://sadc.teracore.co.za/cso-directory/  

To add your organisation to the portal, please visit the CSO Directory: https://sadc.teracore.co.za/cso-directory-registration/ and fill out the registration form. 

Yes, you can promote your events on the portal. Simply submit information about your events, workshops, and conferences through the portal. Once your event has been approved, it will be displayed in the events section for others to see and join.