Social Development lauded for NPO support

A recent report by the National Coalition for Social Services (NACOSS) reveals that the Western Cape stands as an outstanding example of cooperation between government and non-profit organisations (NPOs). Whilst late and outstanding payments are recorded in other provinces, the Western Cape Department of Social Development pays NPOs on time, provides timeous updates, and continues to extraordinarily intervene during the pandemic.

MPP Gillion Bosman says: “I welcome the report from NACOSS as a recognised mother body in the social welfare sector. Whilst over 100 NPOs in neighbouring Eastern Cape have not been paid for the first quarter, scrutiny identified that no such payment queries exist in the Western Cape.

We recognise that social welfare is at a historic peak in importance with the Covid-19 pandemic and the onslaught of the second pandemic of joblessness and economic inactivity. The sector provides substantial relief to communities across the province and, of those employed by these organisations, approximately 70% are women – a demographic disproportionately and severely impacted at this time.”

NACOSS further recognises that the Western Cape has a long standing track record of extensive support to NPOs and an ability to adapt to the times.

MPP Bosman comments: “Whereas other provinces expect NPOs to fund PPE from their own operating costs, the Western Cape has, for example, provided 15,000 masks and dozens of litres of sanitisers to old age care facilities, deployed additional staff, provided training for carers, and helped sponsor shelters for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.”

The provincial department of Social Development’s achievements take place in a context in which its national counterpart has failed to deliver. It took a High Court ruling for ECDs to reopen, whereas the province had already reallocated R10-million for their support. Whilst Minister Zulu has provided no answers for over R1-billion in irregular expenditure, the Western Cape remains free of any such extensive financial irregularities.

The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the findings of NACOSS and will continue to strive towards full support of the social welfare sector, as we collectively defeat both Covid-19 and the poverty pandemic.