Germiston NPOs in limbo over funding
NPOs play a crucial role in addressing various social, economic, and environmental challenges.
Several NPOs in Germiston are facing uncertainty due to a lack of communication from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) regarding their funding.
The affected organisations, including Rest-a-While Service Centre for the Aged, Elandsvallei Old Age Home, Remme-Los, and Avril Elizabeth Home for the Mentally Disabled, picketed last Thursday to express their frustrations.
“At a time where NPOs play a crucial role in addressing various social, economic and environmental challenges, the potential withdrawal of government funding has a serious impact on us,” said Trudy Carreira, manager of Rest-a-While Service Centre for the Aged.
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“We are worried about the sustainability of operations and the communities we serve as they grapple with the possibility of significant financial shortfalls.”
Rest-a-While provides essential services to the elderly and vulnerable, filling gaps that most beneficiaries cannot cover.
“If we close our doors, where will they go?” Carreira asked.
“This has raised fears and uncertainty among them. We are depending on the mercy of the community, businesses, and individuals who still can donate.”
The potential withdrawal of funding will have a massive ripple effect on vulnerable communities.
Lettie Peters (80) and Susan Peterson (74) expressed their concerns about losing the support they rely on.
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“NPOs are more than just service providers; they are community builders,” said Peters.
Remme-Los, a residential facility for quadriplegics and paraplegics, is also facing the threat of closure.
Resident Nomthandazo Magidimisa shared her worries: “If the department does not provide the grants, staff will not be paid. Our grants are not enough to go to private homes.”
The Germiston City News (GCN) sent an inquiry to DSD regarding the lack of funding and communication to previously funded NPOs.
The department initiated a rigorous NPO adjudication process in April, reviewing and signing Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with compliant NPOs for the 2024/25 financial year.
“The process to invite eligible NPOs to sign the SLAs started in the first week of April 2024, and eligible NPOs have been receiving their SLAs,” said Themba Gadebe of DSD.
On May 13, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi met with NPOs to reaffirm the government’s dedication to collaboration and to address issues related to the signing of SLAs and funding delays.
“Certain challenges needed urgent attention, prompting further dialogue with the sector.
“Delayed signing of SLAs led to funding uncertainties and disruptions, straining the relationship between the sector and the department,” said Lesufi.
