Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko has committed herself and her department to strengthening her relationship with NPOs.
On Sunday, Mazibuko, alongside Lebogang Maile, addressed the media on the ongoing non-payment affecting NGOs and other organisations.
Mazibuko said the work of NPOs is central to the government’s efforts to bring social justice to vulnerable members of society.
"The work of NPOs is not only an extension of the work of Social Development, but also an enabler of the responsibilities the department has in delivering on its mandate. We are not ashamed to say on the whole, with few exceptions, that we are proud of the work that is being done by the NPOs. Like with any other relationships, things do fall apart.
“Differences emerge, misunderstandings happen, trust is lost, sometimes break-ups do happen. Despite all of this, we as a department and NPOs cannot allow such a state of affairs. The past few months, we have seen the relationship between the provincial government and the NPOs severely strained. We unreservedly apologise to those affected by this and we want to improve this,” she said.
Last week, the DA through its shadow MEC of social development, Refiloe Nt’sheke, slammed the provincial department for its failure to pay NPOs.
Nt’sheke said the department’s attempts to rectify the payment of NPOs was marred by glitches. “Regrettably, the department’s attempted rectification process is marred by unethical and irregular practices.This is highly irregular because, in an adjudication process, all NPOs that bid for funding are supposed to be considered and visited. Using the findings of this process, the adjudication panel then determines which NPOs qualify for funding.
“During the last administration, we had concerns about the adjudication process and the committee. Questions have been asked about these issues, but we never got answers from the former MEC. The DA has resubmitted the same questions to MEC Faith Mazibuko in the hope of a different response. The people of Gauteng need and deserve answers,” she said.
Last month, Cosatu in Gauteng joined calls for the NPO crisis to be resolved, saying the budget cuts would lead to potential closures of non-profit organisations, and job losses.
Cosatu said some NPOs were being forced to close down, and were struggling to find alternative places for beneficiaries, including children, abused women, people living with disabilities, and the elderly.
The Star