NPO steadfast in its commitment despite funding uncertainties
The organisation was able to achieve some of its objectives despite the financial uncertainities created by the Department of Social Development.
When the Department of Social Development (DSD) backtracked on their strategy to realign funding for NPOs, it created great uncertainty for the future of Bula Monyako Projects.
This was revealed by chairperson Dave Bentley at the organisation’s AGM at Benoni Central Methodist Church (BCMC) on August 21.
The organisation is a wing of the BCMC. It offers support to those affected and infected by HIV, orphaned and vulnerable children and also offers meals to the needy on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
Bentley explained their year started with lots of financial challenges after the DSD announced that their funding priorities had changed.
“This uncertainty was meant to have been resolved before the end of the 2023/24 financial year, but it turned out to be even more uncertain.”
He said they and other NPOs were required to reapply for funding in November through a call for a business proposal, which was followed by a site audit that required numerous items, including building plans and an occupancy certificate, which had never been required before.
He added the delays in funding resulted in their caregivers being off work and unsure if their contracts would be renewed.
But an interim service legal agreement (SLA) was signed on May 31 and funds were eventually received on June 6.
Despite this, there remain uncertainties, Bentley said, including the conclusion of a new SLA for the 2024/25 financial year, which was supposed to be finalised on or before July 31.
In addition, there is concern over the DSD’s lack of clarity and continued missing of deadlines, and rumours that the department plans to internalise most of the work done by NPOs.
“In the meantime, good work continues to be undertaken by the management, staff and contractors. We thank them for their ongoing labours in providing pyscho-social support to those infected and affected by HIV,” said Bentley.
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Morale
In her organisational report, social worker Kedibone Selahle said the uncertainties created by the DSD, which is their main funder, created a palpable despondence in the welfare sector.
“The morale in the welfare sector was at its lowest,” she said.
She applauded NPOs for their unity in challenging the “injustices played out by the DSD”, saying they remain hopeful that NPOs and DSD “will find one another in the foreseeable future because the current relationship is not healthy”.
Selahle said despite all their challenges, they successfully rendered their social work services, social casework, group work intervention and outreach programmes.
“The management would like to thank everyone that continues to provide support during these difficult and uncertain times. To the volunteers, we thank you for your patience when things were not adding up.”
Treasurer Perkins Bayisayi revealed they had a deficit of R30 962.
“This reflects how the environment keeps changing and unfortunately of us, it’s not for the better,” said Bayisayi.
He said that fundraising initiatives would have helped improve the organisation’s financial status, adding that compared to last year, they managed to contain most of their expenses.
“We compliment our staff for a job well done in managing our finances in the manner they have because the deficit would have been higher.”
The organisation also celebrated its 21st birthday.
To assist Bula Monyako Projects in any way, email bulamonyako1@gmail.com for more details.
Also Read: Organisation remains hopeful despite financial deficit
