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“To put the statistics into perspective, an amount of more than US$1,32 million was used for advocacy purposes by NAC. By any standards, this is a significant figure given the fact that advocacy is not NAC’s strongest programme,” said Mr Tapuwa Kujinga of PATAM.
It is alleged that NAC blew nearly US$70 000 from the Aids Levy to fund seven of its delegates who attended the conference in Washington DC, United States.
“We the undersigned, members of the Zimbabwe HIV Advocacy Coalition, request that you provide us with the information on the number of NAC representatives and people who are sponsored by NAC attending the International Aids Society Conference from July 22 –27, 2012 in Washington DC.
“We are keen to know who is being sponsored from the Aids Levy, who is being sponsored by NAC’s funding partners, the perceived value to the nation from people attending and the total cost of the trip of all delegates,” the team wrote.
In response NAC said seven delegates were directly funded by it. It says Ms Beatrice Tonhodzai-Ngondo, Dr Pateson Mapanda and Dr Tapuwa Magure were responsible for networking and resource mobilisation. Mrs Catherine Murombedzi, Ms Madeline Dube and Mr Raymond Yekeye were responsible for publicity and enhancing NAC’s image. Mr Albert Manenji made a presentation on best practices of alternative funding.
It further said the council was showcasing Zimbabwe’s response through a stand, which was manned by NAC officials among other stakeholders.
“In addition to the stand, three members of the delegation made presentations during the conference,” NAC says.
Dr Magure, Mr Yekeye and Mr Manenji also made presentations at the conference.
The activists claim that NAC was over-represented as there was duplication of duties by those who attended. It is also alleged that all those who were funded from the Aids Levy flew in the business class all the way to Washington DC. Emirates business class to Washington DC costs approximately US$5 000 return while the economy class costs about US$1 800.
Further allegations are that the delegates were given US$5 000 each to cater for their accommodation, food and out of pocket allowances for the ten-day trip.
The Herald understands that some members of the NAC board are reportedly questioning the selection criteria of those who represented the organisation at the highest HIV and Aids symposium in the world claiming the trip was not sanctioned by it.
Online Reporter