Social Development Committee investigates process of NPO funding in Gauteng

The Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Social Development is currently probing how the Gauteng Department of Social Development manages the process of funding Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in the Province.

This follows Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s announcement that the NPO funding budget had been reduced across sectors, which now poses a threat on the competency and existence of NPOs as crucial partners in service delivery in Gauteng.

The Committee met with the Department in May to discuss its plans to address the NPO funding debacle. Key for the Committee was the need for the Department to demonstrate percentage increases, including set timelines to complete the process.

Chairperson, Honourable Nomathemba Mokgethi, said her Committee instructed the Department to revise its annual performance plan and demonstrate, to, the Committee all necessary measures that it will employ to address the NPO funding matter.

“NPOs are key to the delivery of social services; therefore, service level agreements must be reevaluated to ensure continuity of the sector,” Hon. Mokgethi said.

The Committee will keep tabs on the Department’s monitoring and evaluation processes to verify capacity and that correct funding is directed to correct NPOs.