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In observance of World NGO Day tomorrow 27 February 2021, I wish to pay tribute to Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) that provide quality services to the public on behalf of the Department, especially in this very difficult economic and social environment, which has seen both an increased demand for social services and poverty alleviation, and a reduced flow of state funding and corporate social investment from the private sector.
As a Department, we recognize that there are also many NGOs doing noble work in the Education, Health, Cultural Affairs and Sport, and other sectors too.
To this end, I would like to thank the managers, employees, volunteers, members and supporters working in the NGO sector.
The Aid and International Development Forum highlights that World NGO Day is observed every year on the 27th of February. The international day recognises the NGO sector’s importance, value to society, and all the individuals involved worldwide, that dedicate their time to various causes.
2021 marks the celebration of the 8th World NGO Day.
Presently, the provincial DSD funds over 2000 NGOs that render services in a number of sectors including child protection, substance abuse, early childhood development, older persons, disabilities, victim empowerment; to name a few.
During the 2019/2020 financial year, the NPO Help Desk assisted NGOs with the registration process, and compliance requirements, which is a 26 percent increase from the 2018/19 financial year. NGO registration by NDSD normally takes two months due to the high volumes of applications but due to the Help Desk’s online application upload process, the programme managed to accelerate the registration to an average turnaround time of 14 days.
Given that we fund over 2000 NGOs, the largest number of any Province, it is outstanding that we continue to achieve clean audits on a year on year basis. Furthermore, to ensure optimal coordination and response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Departmental instituted online meetings and finalised preparations that ensured that all NGOs received their funding allocations timeously.
As we observe World NGO Day, let us all make an effort to support NGOs, who continue to work tirelessly to help uplift our communities.
The public can access our services by visiting any of our regional or local offices closest to them, or by contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250 for information on how to access help.
Joshua Covenant Chigome
Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development, Minister Sharna Fernandez
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 083 661 4949