Latest news with #NPO
The Citizen
19 hours ago
- Business
- The Citizen
No NPO crisis
The Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) has rejected false and alarming claims made by some political parties and groups alleging there is a non-profit organisation (NPO) funding crisis. • Also read: NPO appeals process for funding underway According to the MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, these claims are said to be not only misleading but also deliberately distorting the facts to create unnecessary panic within the sector and among the communities that the department serves. Mazibuko made it clear that while the department experienced funding challenges in the previous financial year, these challenges have been effectively addressed, and the ongoing narrative of a crisis is a gross misrepresentation of facts. She said the department has adjudicated about 2 000 applications from NPOs. 'So far, over 1 200 letters of award have been issued to successful organisations. Notifications to unsuccessful applicants are underway, with a formal appeals process in place. Appeals must be lodged within seven days of receiving a rejection notice and are being handled by a dedicated team led by the Deputy Director-General. 'The department has also signed Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with many of the approved NPOs, and over 300 SLAs have already been paid. A brief payment delay occurred due to technical issues at Treasury – a challenge not unique to Gauteng. Several other provinces also only effected NPO payments last week for the same treasury-related reasons.' According to the MEC, payments are now being processed daily, and the department is on track to complete payments to all approved NPOs by the end of the first quarter of the current financial year. 'The department's ongoing engagement with the NPO sector through meetings and media platforms keeps NPOs informed and supported. These efforts have ensured stability, with no protest action directed at the department's offices.' The MEC further issued a clear warning that compliance is not an option. 'NPOs are expected to meet all legislative and regulatory requirements, including municipal by-laws, departmental programme registration, and full compliance with the NPO Act. The Department will not be held responsible for the consequences faced by organisations that fail to comply. The GDSD remains focused and unwavering in its commitment to work with compliant NPOs to deliver critical services to the people of Gauteng. We will not be derailed by misinformation or political grandstanding,' she concluded. If you are affected as an NPO or NGO, please send an email to randfonteinherald@ At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Business
- Mail & Guardian
Breaking the MBA mould – A radical rethink of business education for the real world
Segran Nair, Director of Milpark Business School. The old MBA is dead. Or at least it should be, according to Milpark Business School. Under the leadership of director Segran Nair, the school has rebuilt its MBA from the ground up to tackle the real, messy complexity of today's business landscape. Climate uncertainty, economic volatility, digital disruption and social inequality demand a new kind of leadership that is rooted in ethics, adaptability and systems thinking. 'The challenges facing today's business leaders are anything but straightforward, and we redesigned our MBA programme deliberately,' Nair explains. 'And not just for subjects in isolation, but around the real-world systems leaders must learn to navigate.' While traditional MBAs are often criticised for their rigid, siloed structures, Milpark has overhauled its programme, weaving together ethics, sustainability, finance and technology into a single, integrated journey. One example is the Leading an Organisation Responsibly module. Structured over 20 weeks, the course includes 10 weeks of intensive theoretical engagement followed by 10 weeks of real-world application. Students work with South African non-profit organisations (NPOs) to tackle real-world sustainability challenges, applying business thinking to drive social impact. 'We want students to see that sustainability isn't just about green policies; it's financial sustainability. It's community resilience and how you use social media to amplify impact. This is business education for the real world,' Nair says. The case for an evolved MBA The MBA has been one of the world's most recognised business qualifications for more than a century, and for some, that's exactly the problem. As global challenges mount and digital disruption accelerates, many are questioning whether it's still fit for purpose, with critics arguing that it's too focused on Western capitalist models, too out of touch with the social and environmental imperatives of our time and too rigid to meet the needs of today's working professionals. But Nair pushes back. 'The MBA today is not what it was even 10 years ago — at least not at institutions that are paying attention,' he says. 'The complexity of our modern programme — from operations and marketing to ethics and leadership — is unlike anything else. It's not just about business knowledge. It's about transformation.' So is the qualification still relevant? According to Nair, the answer is a resounding yes — but only if it evolves 'in both content and context to stay meaningful for the world we live and work in today'. This approach reflects a deliberate effort to foster systems thinking and integrated problem-solving. Milpark's redesigned curriculum encourages students to draw from multiple disciplines and consider the broader implications of business decisions. He says Milpark's programme addresses South Africa's urgent need for ethical and innovative leaders: 'Look at our challenges: high youth unemployment, a fragile economy, infrastructure strain and leadership crises. We need professionals who are numerate, ethical and strategically agile. The MBA remains one of the best tools to build those capabilities — if done right.' Integrated learning, real-world relevance With artificial intelligence (AI) transforming industries, Nair adds that technology cannot be an afterthought. At Milpark Education, students are empowered to use emerging technologies ethically and responsibly without losing their uniquely human advantage. And although tools like ChatGPT are prohibited in certain assessments to ensure authentic and critical thinking, students are trained to engage with AI-generated content. 'We want our students to think critically, to ask where information comes from, and to question its validity. In a world flooded with data and misinformation, this is a non-negotiable leadership skill,' Nair explains. By breaking down silos, Milpark is also fostering collaboration across industries and sectors. Students from finance, tech, mining, NPOs and government are encouraged to learn from one another, with the online delivery model offering flexibility without compromising community. Nair says that in-person meetups, including a Cape Town induction which has already taken place for the latest cohort, aim to bring students together, help build social capital and foster professional networks that last well beyond graduation. The curriculum draws directly from emerging trends like AI, digital disruption, environment, social and governance (ESG) principles and stakeholder capitalism. Students engage with industry partners to apply their learning in real-world settings. And throughout it all, leadership and self-reflection remain central. Inclusive, human-centred and African 'What good is a technical expert if they're not ethical? What good is a leader who can't reflect or empathise?' Nair asks. 'Soft skills aren't soft. They're foundational. We have to build a new generation of leaders who understand the system, who can navigate uncertainty, and who care deeply about people and the planet. That means breaking down silos — in our curricula, in our classrooms and our thinking.' For Milpark Education, inclusivity and relevance go hand in hand. Once stereotyped as a space for white, male engineers with dominant personalities, the modern MBA cohort reflects a broader, more diverse South Africa. 'It's a pity that so many people still feel the MBA isn't for them,' says Nair. 'But we've come a long way. We've created space for mums, introverts, and professionals from all backgrounds to find their voice.' This commitment extends to how the programme is delivered. Designed for working professionals with families, Milpark's MBA offers a manageable workload, flexible access, and psychosocial support for students navigating work-life pressures. 'We don't inherit businesses — we inherit a country,' says Nair. 'Our MBAs need to be ready to lead both.' Business as a force for good This, he says, is business education reimagined for the African context. With high youth unemployment, mounting infrastructure challenges and persistent social inequality, entrepreneurship and innovation are not just desirable — they're essential. Nair explains: 'At Milpark's Business School, we know business is not just a means of profit; it is a vehicle for societal change. This ethos is embedded throughout the programme — not as a single module, but as a consistent value system. Business, per se, is neutral, but it's what we do with it that matters. Our graduates leave not only with skills, but with a conscience. They know that leadership today demands more than competence. It demands character.' The future of business education must be integrated, inclusive and built for the real-world challenges of Africa and beyond. The MBA is not obsolete, but in order to stay relevant, it must evolve. And at Milpark, it already has.
The Citizen
5 days ago
- General
- The Citizen
Glen Hills baby home appeals for donations
THE Ray of Hope Babies Home has been a place of safety for abandoned and vulnerable infants in Glen Hills for 15 years. Recently, Crisis mother Rachel Uys noticed a decline in donations, sponsorships, and volunteers and is calling on the community to help alleviate the mounting pressure it is experiencing. Uys said the drop in donations over the past year has placed the NPO in a difficult position. 'The economic climate has affected everyone, and we've really felt the impact. While we're incredibly grateful for the church and community members who continue to support us, we are in need of more help,' said Uys. The home, which consistently cares for six babies up to the age of three and a half, provides round-the-clock care, medical attention, and emotional support. Some children require specialised formula, medication for eczema or withdrawal symptoms, and other tailored treatments which pushes the monthly care costs up to R3000 per child in certain cases. The recent financial strain has forced the organisation to consider temporary staff downsizing. Volunteers have stepped in to fill the gap, but more are needed. 'We've had to temporarily let go of one of our casual caregivers. I have stepped in but I also have a ton of operational duties to see to such as hospitals and clinic visits, court visits, shopping, etc. And as the children grow, their needs grow too. It's not just baby formula. Toddlers need solids, new clothes, and pull-ups,' Uys explained. 'Unfortunately, people often only think of the babies when donating, but our toddlers need just as much. We need long-term volunteers who can commit their time regularly. Even one extra person helping with meals or laundry makes a huge difference,' said Uys. Currently, staff live on the premises part-time and are grateful for basic food donations like rice, mealie meal, bread, and spreads. Ray of Hope welcomes individual and corporate donations, and can issue Section 18A certificates for tax-deductible contributions. Supporters are encouraged to reach out via phone or email to request the home's current wish list of essential items and child-specific needs. 'Every donation counts whether it's cash, nappies, or your time. Together, we can keep giving these little ones the love and care they deserve,' she said. To make a donation or for their donation wish list and sponsorship opportunities, call Uys on 084 924 3100 or email info@ For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
6 days ago
- General
- TimesLIVE
Stitched with love: 67 Blankets brings warmth and dignity to Nazareth House
Eighty-six handmade blankets stitched with care and compassion by volunteers around the country were handed over to residents at Nazareth House in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on Wednesday as part of the 67 Blankets for Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Carolyn Steyn, founder of the NPO, was joined by members of the KnitWits community for the handover. 'This place has a special meaning for me,' she said. 'My mum grew up here as an orphan. She came here at the age of three and stayed until she was 20.' The initiative, which began in 2013 with a challenge from Zelda la Grange, Nelson Mandela's former personal assistant, has grown into a nationwide movement of 'social cohesion and community spirit', said Steyn. What started as a personal pledge to crochet 67 blankets evolved rapidly after Steyn's Facebook appeal for help went viral. 'It snowballed into a movement — for good, for change.' The 86 blankets donated on Wednesday were crafted as part of the Hugest Happiness Blanket unveiled on March 20. Each item carries a label with the 67 Blankets logo and the words 'handmade with love' — a phrase that was felt in every corner of the room.
The Citizen
26-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Thembisa NPO turns dumping sites into community spaces
The local environmental NPO Clean Environment has been on a mission to tackle illegal dumping across Thembisa since 2017, transforming more than 100 dumping sites into sustainable spaces like mini gardens, car washes and small parks. The Tsenelong Section NPO has built a reputation for reclaiming neglected areas, turning them into clean, functional community spaces. The NPO aims to remove waste and create environments that discourage future dumping. 'This started in our section,' said Tshepang Motaung, the co-founder of Clean Environment. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping now criminal offence in Ekurhuleni 'We noticed many tenants dumping plastic and rubbish in open spaces. What motivated us to keep going is that many communities supported us, and after we cleaned, they maintained the spaces. Not all areas do, but most of them.' The group, comprising five dedicated volunteers with the NPO since the beginning, also runs weekly educational campaigns in communities to raise awareness about the dangers of illegal dumping and promote a cleaner environment. One of the NPO's milestones was launching its recycling business, now in its second year. 'When cleaning, we noticed many recyclables. That's when the idea for a recycling business started,' Motaung said. The income supports their clean-up efforts, although financial challenges persist. 'We don't always have PPE or the tools we need, so we bring what we can from home to keep going.' While community members often respond positively during clean-ups, maintaining the cleaned spaces remains challenging. 'Some areas go back to being dumping grounds shortly after we clean,' Motaung explained. ALSO READ: Illegal dumping on Modderfontein Road remains an eyesore The NPO tries to involve local ward councillors in their campaigns, but often ends up working alone. However, the CoE's Thembisa Waste Office was a consistent supporter, helping with rubbish collection, tractor loader backhoes and tipper trucks for rubble removal. One of their most impactful recent projects was cleaning a bridge that had become a health hazard and an obstacle for pedestrians. 'The waste blocked the bridge, so crossing it was unsafe. We couldn't just walk past, so we organised a clean-up,' said Motaung. The team restored the bridge with support from the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Dipalesa Foundation and two community members. Looking ahead, Clean Environment plans to launch a campaign called #KeGame in partnership with the WESSA. This initiative will combine clean-ups with educational awareness drives in Thembisa, running weekly or biweekly. An upcoming focus area will be Winnie Mandela Zone 4. 'We randomly select some of the worst dumping sites and clean them to benefit the community. We're committed to keeping Thembisa clean, one spot at a time,' Motaung said. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
