Funding of NPOs in the region questioned

The Gauteng Department on Social Department in collaboration with the Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM) held a information-sharing workshop on Wednesday September 29.

According to the media statement issued by Sibusiso Chauke, Communication Officer: Media Liaison and Strategy for the Gauteng Department of Social Development, Nozi Mapena who is the MMC for Health and Social Services said it was important to hold the session so that NPOs understood the requirements to qualify for funding from Social Development and all the necessary administrations processes.

“The session followed concerns raised by several NPOs in the region. They’d directed their concerns to Morakane Mosupyoe, the Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC, claiming that they were not supported with funding. Therefore, the session was convened to capacitate the sector with knowledge on processes to secure funding,” Chauke said.

In the same media statement, Chauke said Mbali Ndlovu, director of Sustainable Livelihood Directorate, a programme under Social Development, has urged the attendees that working together with the government would help them.

“As government we acknowledge that all organisations here today require support from Social Development and indeed, we are here for you. Please read the request for proposals carefully and adhere to all the requirements,” Ndlovu said.

During the workshop, Ndlovu also advised the attendees to make sure that they submit the required documents so that all officials could be held accountable.

“Organisations must be able to articulate the services that you are rendering and demonstrate how communities are going to benefit, and if it’s skills development, you need to have an exit strategy,” Ndlovu said.

She further reiterated the need for these partnerships as they are an extension of social development services, and urged the sector to hold government and officials accountable where necessary. She also encouraged the sector to work with the department in order to improve society.

Portia Dube, Community Development Supervisor from West Rand Region explained all the steps that are followed for funding NPOs:

• STEP 1: Invitation of business proposals is sent to a data base of all interested NPOs and the advertisement is circulated on the departmental websit. Pinted advertisements are put on their notice boards in the regional office, service centres and other stakeholders within Rand West Municipality, Merafong Municipality and Mogale City.

• STEP 2: A briefing session for all interested NPOs, and on the same day using the attendance register, a soft copy of the unit business plan is emailed to all organisations that attended the briefing, with the return date and time. This usually happens around September, October and November each year. Take note: it is the organisation’s responsibility to check the adverts both on notice boards as well as on the internet.

• STEP 3: All received applications are assessed (on-site is conducted).

• STEP 4: Recommendation report is compiled and forwarded to the Province.

• STEP 5: All NPOs who meets the criteria for funding are panelled by Head Office as well as the Region.

• STEP 6: Approval is given by both the Head Office team and Regional team based on the NPO’s competence and the available budget.

“Please come to us or call us anytime if you need help or when you do not understand some of the requirements. We will ensure that we meet with you for any required assistance,” said Dube.