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The Southern African Council of Non-Governmental Organizations (SAf-CNGO), also known as the SADC Council of NGOs, has officially announced the appointment of Mr. Lebogang Kenneth Mabotho as the Acting Executive Director. In this role, Mr. Mabotho will provide critical oversight and direction to the organization, working closely with the secretariat and its staff to ensure the effective implementation of its mandate.
Mr. Mabotho brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having up until his recent appointment served as the Programmes and Operations Director at SAf-CNGO. During his tenure, he was appointed as the Liaison Officer for the SADC Non-State Actors (NSAs) Technical Working Group, tasked with operationalizing the SADC Engagement Mechanism with NSAs. His leadership in this capacity has been instrumental in driving civil society coordination and enhancing people’s participation in regional integration processes across the SADC region. Additionally, Mr. Mabotho serves as the Chairperson of the Credentials Committee for the African Union Economic, Social, and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC), further highlighting his vast expertise and commitment to advancing civil society participation at regional and continental levels.
With over a decade of experience in the civil society sector, Mr. Mabotho is a seasoned professional with a distinguished track record in strategic management, administration, and leadership. His diverse skill set spans competence in regional integration processes, civil society engagement, project management, and organizational development. Notably, he has held key leadership positions, including Country Director of the African Student Entrepreneurial Education Development (AFROSEED) and Executive Director of Identity Development Junction Organisation, an arts-for-social change entity based in Botswana. Mr. Mabotho’s extensive experience in project funding acquisition, internal control systems, human resources management, and stakeholder engagement underscores his capacity to lead complex organizations.
In addition to his professional experience, Mr. Mabotho holds multiple qualifications in project management, business administration, management information systems, the African Human Rights System, and sustainable development in business. He is a certified Project Management Professional (CMI, UK), further bolstering his technical acumen in the field.
SAf-CNGO has played a pivotal role in the operationalization of the SADC Engagement Mechanism with NSAs. With Mr. Mabotho’s significant contributions and involvement, the Council recently co-convened a series of high-level meetings, key among them being the SADC Non-State Actors (NSA) Meeting on the operationalization of the SADC Mechanism of Engagement with NSAs, aimed at enhancing the participation of non-state actors in the implementation of the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP2020-2030). These engagements have been crucial in ensuring that civil society remains an active partner in regional development and integration efforts.
As he takes on the role of Acting Executive Director, Mr. Mabotho’s immediate priority is to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Council and its members. His vision is to foster meaningful people’s contributions to national development and regional integration processes across all SADC member states. By building the capacity of civil society organizations and enhancing their engagement in policy dialogue, Mr. Mabotho aims to ensure that non-state actors play a significant role in shaping the future of the region.
Mr. Mabotho’s appointment marks a critical juncture for SAf-CNGO, as it continues to navigate the complex landscape of regional development. With his extensive experience, strategic vision, and commitment to advancing civil society engagement, Mr. Mabotho is poised to lead the Council toward achieving its mission of promoting effective people participation in sustainable development and regional integration process across Southern Africa.