The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng joined NPOs picketing outside the Department of Social Development’s offices, demanding that the department must review the new funding model.
The NPOs are unhappy because of the new funding model that has been adopted by the department where monies have been moved from their programmes to fund other programmes.
It is disturbing to note that once again the MEC for Social Development, Mbali Hlophe, was not available to accept the memorandum from the NPOs present and instead, a junior official was sent out to meet with the NPOs.
See pictures here, here, here ,here, and here.
The new funding model will negatively impact 62 337 people with disabilities who, according to the department’s 2021/2022 annual performance plan accessed the disability prevention programmes.
Over 4000 of these people benefited in protective workshops where their dignity and self-worth were constantly restored.
Currently, 4300 homeless children are cared for by NPOs and the DA fears financial cuts will force these children to go back to the streets or abusive backgrounds they come from. This might increase crime and lead to substance abuse.
Below is an indication of how funds have been reprioritised:
• R 71.5 million taken from the NPOs that care for the elderly,
• R 50 million taken from disabled persons NPOs budget,
• R238.6 million taken from HIV / AIDS and children NPOs budget,
• R 57 million taken from care and services to families NPOs budget,
• R70 million taken from Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC),
• R46.5 million was taken from the community-based care for children NPOs budget.
The new funding model will affect the most vulnerable residents of Gauteng who are solely dependent on NPOs for survival. Some of the sub-programs planned to be have increased funding have underperformed for the past five years.
The DA will continue to shine the spotlight on this serious issue as it affects the most vulnerable in our society. Please sign our petition here.