Johannesburg Older Persons Forum hand over memorandum of demand

The Johannesburg Older Persons Forum embarked on a peaceful march to the Department of Social Development on August 01.

The aim was to submit a memorandum of demand regarding government funding of NGOs.

Early this year, the provincial government had funds withdrawn from some NGOs and diverted to the Department of Social Development’s programmes for substance abuse and poverty alleviation.

In a written document dated July 24, the forum demands the Department of Social Development to reinstate funding of all Johannesburg service centres and luncheon clubs funded in 2022 and 2023.

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The document further says that service centres and luncheon clubs demand that their funding be backdated to April 2023 as Premier Panyaza Lesufi promised to compensate the NPOs.

“The Premier categorically promised the reinstatement of the full budget for compliant and approved NPOs for 2023 and 2024 financial year and also the reinstatement of the staff that was affected by the budget reprioritisation,” reads part of the memorandum.

The chairperson of Johannesburg Older Persons Forum, Kedi Mofube said the march will ensure that all funding that was withheld from service centres and luncheon clubs is reinstated.

“We are here today just to create an awareness and let everyone know that as much as the premier said the services centres and luncheon clubs must now be funded, the NPOs haven’t received anything till to date,” said Mofube.

Social Development official, Themba Msimango accepted, signed and promised to take the memorandum to the MEC, Premier and HOD.

“As I receive this memorandum, I promise to take it straight to those responsible for the funding and we will try by all means to respond to the committee within seven days,” said Msimango.

A manager at the Protea Glen Older-Persons Services Centre, Linda Mngambi said the withdrawal of funds in April had a negative impact on their centre.

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According to Mngambi, it has been difficult for them to execute the services they offer to elderlies efficiently.

“Should the premier accept the memorandum and reinstate the funding, it would be wonderful for our senior citizens who are beneficiaries of the centre.

“It is important to remember that the role of these centres is to keep the elderlies active and also help them mentally and physically,” said Mngambi.