By Lebone Rodah Mosima
The Gauteng Department of Social Development says it has paid R319.3 million to non-profit organisations across the province, as it moves to contain mounting pressure from the sector over delayed subsidy payments and uncertainty around funding for critical welfare services.
The department said payments were being processed for NPOs that had signed and returned their Service Level Agreements (SLAs), following concerns raised by organisations and a planned march over the issue.
Earlier this week, the department told the sector, stakeholders and the public that the payment process was underway and progressing.
“The department signed 1198 SLAs and 872 paid to date,” the department said.
“This is in line with established government processes, where payments can only be effected once SLAs are duly signed and captured on the system, a matter that has been consistently communicated to the sector.”
The Democratic Alliance (DA) criticised the department last month, saying delays and uncertainty in the funding process had placed the administration of NPOs under severe strain.
“Over 10 days into the new financial year, and NPOs have not yet received their subsidy,” the party said.
“These setbacks are disrupting critical social welfare services and putting vulnerable communities at risk.”
It said the payment process was dependent on compliance and the submission of signed SLAs, and insisted that progress had already been made.
Gauteng MEC for Social Development Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said the department remained committed to its partnership with NPOs, which she described as critical partners in delivering services to vulnerable communities.
“Measures are in place to ensure that beneficiaries continue to receive services without disruption, while the administrative processes are being finalised,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
The department called on NPOs to continue engaging with it through established channels and to ensure that all required documentation, including signed SLAs, was submitted to facilitate prompt payment.
It also said it respected the right of stakeholders to raise concerns.
“However, it is important to state that significant progress has already been made, and the narrative that payments are not being made is not an accurate reflection of the current situation,” the department said.
“The department will continue to provide regular updates as further payments are processed.”
