The Democratic Alliance (DA) demands that the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) begin the Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) adjudication process as early as September to ensure vulnerable residents receive uninterrupted essential services such as food, care and shelter. Delays in 2023 have harmed NPOs and their beneficiaries, and while the 2024 process showed some improvement, it still fell short.
During a session in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, GDSD MEC Faith Mazibuko announced the introduction of an appeals process for the 2024 budget. However, this process occurred after the completion of the adjudication process, which raises concerns about its timing. Mazibuko mentioned that she had received 64 appeals related to this matter. If any of these appeals succeed, they would have to be included in the budget for NPOs, which had not initially accounted for them.
It is unacceptable for the MEC to dismiss concerns about potential appeal success by saying she will “cross that bridge when she gets to it”. This indicates a lack of foresight and ineffective leadership. Good leadership involves not only addressing current issues but also proactively anticipating future challenges and how to mitigate them. Unfortunately, this department has not had a leader of that caliber for quite some time.
A DA-led Gauteng Provincial Government would call for business requests to start in September. In January, the GDSD would handle all appeals for adjudication. In February, all service-level agreements (SLA’s) would be signed. March would be used to address any remaining challenges and upload all necessary information into the system so that when April starts, all NPOs can be paid. Incorporating the appeals into the main process prevents budget impacts and ensures that NPOs can continue their work without disruptions due to late payments.
The DA Gauteng will continue putting pressure on the Premier Panyaza Lesufi-led government to learn from the DA in the Western Cape, where the process begins in September to prevent the yearly chaos observed in the adjudication of NPOs in Gauteng. The focus here should not be on who is making this proposal, but rather on how beneficial it can be for the poor and vulnerable.