The recent withdrawal of USAID funding has placed numerous NGOs in Mpumalanga, and around the country, in an extremely precarious financial position, with almost all facing imminent closure due to a lack of funding.
In addition, the national Department of Social Development says Mpumalanga currently has a staggering 15 102 NGOs that have been unable to obtain compliance certificates from the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD), making it impossible for them to obtain funding from government and organisations such as the National Lottery.
Many of these NGOs are currently non-compliant and, as a result, are unable to apply for alternative funding from other organisations
Tersia Marshall, DA spokesperson on women, youth and persons with disabilities
The Democratic Alliance (DA) yesterday tabled a motion in the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature, compelling the DSD to urgently assist non-compliant NGOs to obtain the necessary compliance certifications. The motion was adopted by the Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature.
DA spokesperson on women, youth and persons with disabilities, Tersia Marshall, says this intervention is critical to enable these organisations to access funding and continue their essential work in supporting vulnerable communities across the province.
“These organisations play a pivotal role in upholding human rights, empowering the most vulnerable, and providing a voice to marginalised communities. Without immediate intervention, their collapse would leave thousands without critical social services,” she says.
Reports presented to the Portfolio Committee of Social Development have highlighted 141 vacant social-worker positions within Mpumalanga, making NGOs instrumental in ensuring that essential social services continue to reach those in need. Oversight reports further indicate that the Department of Social Development lacks both the capacity and financial resources to effectively deliver these crucial services in the absence of NGO support.
These organisations play a pivotal role in upholding human rights, empowering the most vulnerable, and providing a voice to marginalised communities.
Tersia Marshall, DA spokesperson on women, youth and persons with disabilities
“Many of these NGOs are currently non-compliant and, as a result, are unable to apply for alternative funding from other organisations,” says Marshall. “The responsibility for issuing compliance certifications lies with the DSD, making it imperative for the department to expedite the process and ensure that NGOs can secure the financial support necessary to sustain their operations.
“The DA urges the DSD to act with the urgency that this crisis demands. Bureaucratic red tape must not stand in the way of saving lives and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society. We will continue to monitor the implementation of this resolution and hold the department accountable for ensuring that no NGO is forced to close its doors due to avoidable administrative delays.
“The DA remains committed to advocating for the protection and empowerment of Mpumalanga’s most vulnerable communities and ensuring that vital social services remain accessible to those who need them most,” Marshall concluded.
