Latest news with #NPOs
The Citizen
04-08-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Department goes digital: NPOs urged to use new online system
To ensure a smooth transition, the department is hosting mandatory workshops and awareness sessions across all five Gauteng corridors The Gauteng Department of Social Development is ditching paperwork and going digital in a bid to streamline the management of non-profit organisation (NPO) funding. From this week, the department will begin rolling out a new electronic NPO funding management system, known as Grantor, which will handle all future applications, payments and service level agreements (SLAs) electronically. 'This is your chance to level up your funding application game and embrace a smarter, smoother way of working,' said Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko. Digital transformation to fix delays According to Mazibuko, the department's move to the Grantor system is meant to address long-standing administrative bottlenecks that have often delayed the processing of NPO claims and payments. 'We are investing in technology to improve the processing of applications and payments, something which has been a challenge for the department,' she said. The Grantor system will enable NPOs to submit business plans, apply for funding, and receive SLAs all online. This will cut down on red tape and speed up turnaround times. ALSO READ: Is Joburg ready to host G20? Gauteng on frenzy to repair potholes and streetlights [VIDEO] Week-long training workshops begin Monday Furthermore, to ensure a smooth transition, the department is hosting mandatory workshops and awareness sessions across all five Gauteng corridors. These sessions will run from Monday, 4 August to Friday, 8 August. The first workshop takes place in Sebokeng on Monday at 12pm. The rest of the week's schedule is: Tuesday, 5 August – Johannesburg Wednesday, 6 August – Ekurhuleni Thursday, 7 August – West Rand Friday, 8 August – Tshwane NPOs are required to bring their own laptops to the sessions to engage directly with the system. Mazibuko urged organisations to attend, emphasising the system's long-term benefits for improved funding processes. 'With this new online system, we will be able to work faster and more efficiently, and we encourage NPOs to attend our mandatory workshops so that they can learn more about the Grantor system,' she said. The department said this digital shift marks a 'game-changing' moment in public service delivery. NOW READ: Lesufi reshuffles several heads of Gauteng departments after reports reveal misconduct
The Herald
28-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Debt amnesty deal announced for struggling ratepayers
Cash-strapped businesses and residents drowning in municipal debt have been thrown a lifeline — a new amnesty deal that could see half their overdue bills wiped out if they settle the balance within a year. The arrears rate has steadily increased over the past year, climbing from 64.8% in July 2024 to 67.6% in July 2025. Since June 2024, household debt has surged from R12bn to R16bn. Unpaid water bills alone account for R9bn. The Nelson Mandela Bay municipality has launched a programme to write off 50% of debt on all residential and business accounts that are in arrears, offering much-needed breathing room. The applications for the revenue enhancement programme opened on July 1 and will close on September 30. It is open to residential, business and registered NPO accounts. Applicants must pay 2.5% of the balance upfront, and the rest must be cleared within 12 months, in monthly instalments. Those unable to meet the payment terms within the stipulated period would no longer qualify for the amnesty and their accounts would instead be handled through the municipality's standard credit control procedures. The programme has been initiated as a result of the crisis in which the metro finds itself, with two-thirds of Bay ratepayers in arrears. With the mounting debt, the city's debtors' book is sitting at R18bn — closing in on the metro's R21.58bn 2025/2026 budget. Compounding the issue is the age of the debt, with 69.2% more than a year old. The decline in revenue collection has hit municipal finances hard. The collection rate dropped from 75.6% in June 2024 to 72.6% by June 2025, resulting in a R1.1bn revenue shortfall. Referring to the new programme to help lessen the burden, budget and treasury political head Khanya Ngqisha said it was not a handout but a one-off deal designed to help residents recover . 'The council resolution applies to everyone, whether it is a business or private household, and if you are in arrears,' he said. 'Whether someone earns R100 or a million rand, a person must come and apply, and they will be considered.' The council approved the programme in June. 'This was a political decision which started at the budget and treasury committee and was adopted by the council,' Ngqisha said. 'With the debt escalating to nearly the R21bn budget of the municipality, I foresaw that this was going to be a problem. 'Therefore, we had to make a political decision.' It does not extend to government entities, municipal employees and councillors. As of June, the government owed the metro R23.5m while metro departments owed R1m. Ngqisha said some residents owed about R1m — a situation that should never have been allowed. 'This is a lifeline, and those people must thank us because this was a political decision deliberately taken to benefit residents,' he said. 'The programme also brings relief to hundreds of small businesses, particularly in township and peri-urban areas, which form the backbone of the local economy but have been crippled by municipal debt. 'This programme is more than just a financial intervention. 'It is an opportunity to rebuild trust between the municipality and its people.' Debtor management and suspension of services manager Joel Swartz said the lower-value property segment was hardest hit and that revenue collection in the municipality faced several challenges. These included a decrease in the number of assistance to the poor (ATTP) re-registrations and access to municipal meters. 'Access to our meters remains a problem, as well as non-responsive customers,' Swartz said. 'Many residents are tampering with electricity, and that has directly had an effect on the financial sustainability of the institution. 'The rapid debt increase of the debt book was also due to the punitive water tariffs, an unintended consequence of the drought period we were in, and that led to lingering debt in our books ...' For the 2024/2025 financial year, the council opted to remove the punitive Part C water tariffs after the relaxation of the drought regulations. To apply, households must submit a copy of their ID, a payslip, and three months' bank statements. Business account holders must provide a letter of authority, the ID of the authorised person handling the financial arrangement, a one-month bank statement, and their latest audited financial statements. 'It is a requirement of our credit control credit policy for specific financial information to be provided by a customer that concludes an arrangement,' Swartz said. The Herald
The Herald
26-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald
Metro offers debt lifeline for accounts in arrears
Cash-strapped businesses and residents in Nelson Mandela Bay who are drowning in municipal debt have just been thrown a lifeline — a new amnesty deal that could see half their overdue bill wiped out if they settle the balance within a year. The municipality has launched a programme to write off 50% of debts on all residential and business accounts that are in arrears, offering much-needed breathing room. The application for the revenue enhancement programme opened on July 1 and will close on September 30. Debt within the last 24 months will be considered and they must pay 2.5% of their remaining balance upfront. The rest must be cleared within 12 months, in monthly instalments. Those unable to meet the payment terms within the stipulated period would no longer qualify for the amnesty, and their accounts would instead be handled through the municipality's standard credit control procedures. It is open to residential, business and registered NPOs accounts. Budget and treasury political head Khanya Ngqisha said this was not a handout, but a one-off deal designed to help residents recover. Council approved the programme in June. It does not extend to government entities, municipal employees and councillors. As of June, the government owed the metro R23.5m while metro departments owed R1m. He said some residents owed about R1 million — a situation that should never have been allowed. 'This is a lifeline, and those people must thank us because this was a political decision deliberately taken to benefit residents. 'The programme also brings relief to hundreds of small businesses, particularly in township and peri-urban areas, who form the backbone of the local economy but have been crippled by municipal debt. 'This programme is more than just a financial intervention. 'It is an opportunity to rebuild trust between the municipality and its people,' he said. The metro has set a target of reaching an 80% collection rate. In June, the rate was 72.6%, up from 69.9% in February. Debtor management and suspension of services manager Joel Swartz said the lower-value property segment was hardest hit. 'There is a slight increase in performance. However, the rate at which the debt book is increasing vs the rate at which we can increase our revenue flow is where our problem is,' he said. He said revenue collection in the municipality faced several challenges. This included a decrease in the number of ATTP re-registrations and access to municipal meters. 'Access to our meters remains a problem, as well as non-responsive customers. 'Many residents are tampering with electricity, and that has directly had an impact on the financial sustainability of the institution. 'The rapid debt increase of the debt book was also due to the punitive water tariffs, an unintended consequence of the drought period we were in, and that led to lingering debt in our books, which we have seen in unaffordable,' said Swartz. For the 2024/2025 financial year, the council opted to remove the punitive Part C water tariff after the relaxation of the drought regulations. To apply, households must submit a copy of their ID, a payslip, and three months' bank statements. Business account holders must provide a letter of authority, the ID of the authorised person handling the financial arrangement, a one-month bank statement, and their latest audited financial statements. 'It is a requirement of our credit control credit policy for specific financial information to be provided by a customer that concludes an arrangement." The Herald
Zawya
13-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Tickets Are Live: WomenIN Festival 2025 Is Calling the Impactful, the Bold, the Brilliant, and the Brave!
Date: 13–14 November 2025 Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town Get ready, Cape Town — the continent's most inspiring, intersectional, and women-led experience is back. Tickets for WomenIN Festival 2025 are now officially live, and this year's edition is set to be the most dynamic yet. Brought to you by the team behind the WomenIN portfolio at the VUKA Group, The WomenIN Festival is not just an event — it's a movement. We're passionate about creating real impact and proud to be walking the talk through our work with a range of NPOs and our ongoing efforts to end period poverty and more. This is a celebration of women who are building businesses, reshaping industries, mentoring the next generation, and changing what leadership looks like. It's where purpose meets power, and passion fuels possibility. More than a moment, WomenIN is a platform for progress — offering real tools, bold ideas, and authentic connection. Whether you're a student, entrepreneur, executive, artist, activist, or ally — this is the space to be seen, heard, and supported. The Only Truly Cross-Sector, Intersectional Event of Its Kind in Africa What sets WomenIN Festival apart is its cross-sector, intersectional approach. Across the year, WomenIN has hosted groundbreaking sector-specific gatherings: WomenIN Green Economy, WomenIN Energy, WomenIN Mobility, WomenIN Mining, WomenIN Digital Transformation, and more. The WomenIN Festival brings it all together — one platform, one powerful space, where industries, identities, and ideas converge. This is not just another women's event. It's the future — inclusive, ambitious, and unapologetically bold. Here's What to Expect at WomenIN Festival 2025: Conversations that matter — unfiltered talks and powerful panels with some of Africa's most impactful leaders in business, tech, media, energy, sustainability, finance, and more Hands-on learning through transformative masterclasses and workshops that equip you with the tools to lead change Youth-led showcases that amplify the voices of tomorrow's changemakers Connection spaces to collaborate and co-create with powerful women (and allies) across the continent Interactive activations, immersive experiences, and unexpected moments of joy and transformation Tickets starting at R1,499 for a 2-day experience. Group bookings available. There's an access point for everyone — from student passes to group tickets and premium VIP experiences. Sponsor a Ticket, Power a Future WomenIN is proud to introduce its Sponsor a Ticket initiative — an opportunity for individuals and organisations to sponsor access for young women who would not otherwise be able to attend. This is about creating real, tangible impact — unlocking doors, building confidence, and investing in the next generation of leaders. 'When we invest in women, we don't just change one life — we ripple transformation across communities, sectors, and economies. The WomenIN Festival is that ripple. It's where we show up for one another and leave no one behind.' — Naz Fredericks-Maharaj, WomenIN Portfolio Director, Vuka Group Real Impact. Real Change. All Year Round. From rural school drives to youth mentorship, from digital inclusion campaigns to high-impact corporate partnerships — WomenIN is more than a festival. It's a values-driven ecosystem with a clear mission: to uplift, equip, and empower women and girls in Africa to rise, lead, and thrive. Join the Movement. Be the Moment. Whether you've followed us from the beginning or you're only just discovering our work, this is your invitation to join a growing network of changemakers who are louder together, braver together — and better together. Visit to get your ticket, sponsor someone else's, or explore partnership opportunities. Come as you are. Leave ignited. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of VUKA Group. WomenIN (WiN): Empowering Women, Breaking Barriers, Creating Impact: WomenIN is a powerful cross-sector movement that connects, inspires, and uplifts women across Africa through collaboration, leadership, and sustainable development. From energy and mobility to retail, gaming, and the green economy, WiN is driving real change by building inclusive ecosystems where women can thrive. Through a range of in-person gatherings, digital content, workshops, and sector-specific initiatives, WomenIN provides a trusted platform for female professionals, entrepreneurs, changemakers, and allies to grow together, break silos, and co-create solutions for Africa's future. With a strong focus on capacity building, leadership development, and market access for female-owned businesses, WomenIN is building a legacy of impact for generations to come. Whether you're a corporate, NPO, SMME, or individual changemaker, there is space for you at the table—because we win when we WiN together. For more information, please visit: or contact our team at info@ ABOUT VUKA Group: VUKA Group brings people and organisations together to connect with information and each other in meaningful conversations that drive growth and transformation across Africa's industries. With 20+ years of experience on the continent, the group delivers sector-leading platforms across Energy, Mining, Smart Mobility, Transport, Retail, and Women Empowerment. The WomenIN (WiN) portfolio is a flagship initiative of VUKA Group, championing gender inclusivity and creating opportunities for women to lead, influence, and innovate across sectors. With a proudly African team and a commitment to sustainable development, VUKA is creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to rise.
Argaam
07-07-2025
- Argaam
NCNP: 6,300 non-profit organizations registered by June-end
The National Center for Non-Profit Sector (NCNP) announced the registration of six charitable associations and two foundations across various priority development fields Kingdom-wide last June. This brought the total number of registered non-profit organizations (NPOs) to 6,348 by the end of the month, NCNP said in a statement. During the same month, as many as 250 licenses were issued for fundraising activities on behalf of NPOs. Moreover, NCNP took decisions against several NPOs and individuals for violations of relevant laws and regulations. In detail, this included four warnings against some charitable associations. This is besides the dismissal of the board of directors of one charitable association and the temporarily suspension of an employee from working in the non-profit sector. NCNP, also in June, ratified four violations against individuals for unauthorized fundraising, handled 39 reports of donation violations, conducted 10 investigation sessions, and referred 21 commercial entities, three influencers, and 26 websites to the competent authorities.
