Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in Gauteng are still grappling with delayed payments from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD). Regrettably, the department’s attempted rectification process is marred by unethical and irregular practices.
The department plans to implement a back-to-front version of the adjudication process. The department has first identified NPOs that it intends to pay, and then it will verify the legitimacy of these NPOs.
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.
In a circular dated 17th July 2024, Acting Head of Department (HOD), Mr Bongani Ngomane instructs his staff to carry out this very irregular task.
While initially optimistic about MEC Faith Mazibuko’s appointment to head Social Development, the Democratic Alliance (DA) now worries that the Acting HOD, a holdover from the previous administration, may be leading the new MEC astray.
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.