Latest news with #NPOAct
The Citizen
11-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Joburg NPOs updated on new funding system and food relief plan
Joburg NPOs updated on new funding system and food relief plan On August 5, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, announced that the Gauteng Department of Social Development is engaging major retail chains to phase out food parcels in favour of food vouchers for beneficiaries. As part of this initiative, a mandatory workshop was held at the Orlando Community Hall to raise awareness among NPOs operating in the Johannesburg region (Central Corridor). NPOs representing key factors, such as children's services, older persons, victim empowerment and substance abuse, attended. ALSO READ: MEC orders swift action on Gauteng's failing infrastructure The aim was to familiarise NPOs with the department's online application system for funding and address challenges in the application process. Speaking at the workshop, Mazibuko said the transition to food vouchers would give beneficiaries the dignity of choice. 'This is so that our beneficiaries can have choices on the foods they need, rather than repeatedly receiving the same items,' she explained. Mazibuko indicated that the department is in discussions with the National Department of Social Development to delegate certain NPO-related functions to the provincial level. 'This effort is meant to eliminate the human element in funding applications, avoid long queues and missing information, and reduce the current 30-page process into a simplified and user-friendly system,' she said. During the workshop session, Tebello Mkhonto, the chief director of social welfare and specialist services at the Department of Social Development, detailed the requirements for registering as an NPO. ALSO READ: FATAL BUS CRASH: Gauteng MEC visits patients in Thembisa 'You must register as an NPO to establish your legal identity. You must comply with all the provisions of the NPO Act, be a legal entity and submit annual reports,' she said. Mkhonto emphasised the importance of maintaining legal identity, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations, adhering to programme-related requirements and having well-documented policies in place. The department's call for proposals will run from August 18 to September 24, inviting compliant NPOs to apply for funding for the 2026/2027 financial year.
The Citizen
02-06-2025
- 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!
