The Gauteng MEC of Social Development, Mbali Hlope has recently announced that the department will now reprioritise funds towards substance abuse, homelessness and youth development.
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This means that R500 million is being taken away from organisations that look after vulnerable children, persons with disabilities, older persons and social work in general.
Most NGOs in Gauteng have expressed their dissatisfaction with this decision as they are left with less choice but to close down due to no funding from the department.
Rena Le Lona Creative Centre for Children is one of the centres in Soweto which had to shut doors in the faces of the children that have found refuge in them.
Established in 2006 with an aim to develop children emotionally, socially and intellectually, the centre has been making a great impact in the community thus far as well as healing trauma and nurturing the children’s creativity through the Arts and enabling them as adults to make a positive contribution to society.
As of date, it has been a home to about 256 local underprivileged children and has employed 46 local residents who were able to provide for their families.
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According to the centre manager, Mlungisi Mvelase the department’s decision to cut off NGO’s funding has impacted them greatly and interrupted their goal and vision of making a difference in the lives of children who depend on them.
“It is really frustrating that the department chooses to prioritise victims of substance abuse rather than children who have an opportunity to make positive life choices if guided correctly, which is something that we are here for as NGOs.
“These centres are the last light for the children and we know this because we spend time with the children and we understand the life struggles that they face,” Mvelase said.
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With a letter they received from the department on April 13 clearly stating that their application for funding has been denied, Mvelase also stated that they will not be receiving any cash for the 2023–24 financial year.
When Soweto Urban visited the centre, some children we spotted playing near the gates of the premises.
“Having to tell the children to no longer come was hard and it’s more painful that they do not understand why and they still come.
“If the only language that the department understand is picketing, then as NGOs will do it and we also call on the community to offer us support be on our side as we fight for the care our children deserve.”
Mvelase calls upon local businesses to assist with donations of food items and funding to help feed the children.
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