Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have already saved close to R5-million on commercial software purchases through the SangoTech programme launched six months ago. 

Through the SangoTech project, NGOs are able to buy commercial software at a fraction of the retail cost, thanks to donations made to the programme by IT vendors.
SangoTech, which is a service offered by SangoNet (SA NGO Network) also offers support and implementation services to NGOs for a very low fee.
Matthew de Gale, ICT services manager at SangoNet, explains that SangoTech offers vendors a secure place to place their donations and discounted products.
"We have also tried to create a space where NGOs can come to better understand their technology needs," he says.
Currently, the technology partners are Microsoft and Cisco. NGOs can buy most Microsoft products at 4% of the retail price; and selected Cisco products at 8% of the normal price.
An as-yet-unnamed anti-virus vendor will be coming on board in September.
De Gale says that since the project launched in December, 225 NGOs have registered; 160 have qualified for the programme; and, by the end of May, 65 organisations had bought about R5-million worth of software for a R220 000.00 outlay.
He points out that the vendors currently on the programme are international companies and are part of a global organisation. However, there are opportunities for companies to offer products and services specific to South African NGOs.
"We see this programme as a strategic mechanism for ICT donations to the NGO sector," he says.
"There is an opportunity to enhance the developmental impact of NGOs through increased ICT investment."