KZN Finance MEC Belinda Scott’s 2015/16 Appropriations Act stated R63.9-million will be used for non-governmental organisations (NGO) support.
However, the Department of Social Development (DSD) recently announced there is no money to pay any kind of increase to NGOs in the province.
Kate Bain, founder of Empangeni based NGO Izulu Orphan Projects, said they have received no funding at all from government.
‘We are a home based care organisation which caters to 800 families and 13 child headed homes between Empangeni and eShowe,’ Bain said.
‘There has been a great sense of apathy from the government and huge problems with the system breakdown between DSD and community care givers.
‘We have attended several war room and Sukuma Sakhe meetings for two years and there has not been an inkling of interest from the relevant departments,’ Bain said.
Bleak future for NGOs
During a recent portfolio committee meeting it was announced the department will be undertaking a NGO rationalisation plan which involves looking at the services offered in communities to see whether there is any duplication, which could result in certain NGOs being consolidated or closed.
Bain added that there are over five million orphans in South Africa, with an increase of 12 000 per day.
‘Only 10% of orphans that are reached become self-sustaining. These organisations are the livelihood for thousands of people across uMhlathuze and an efficient and effective system is needed to run them,’ said Bain.
Read more about Zululand non-profit organisations HERE
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