DSD continues to assist NPOs during national deregistration for non-compliance process

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD) is continuing to assist NPOs across the province with compliance issues. 

These efforts were intensified during the national deregistration process for non-compliance, which is still under way.

All NPOs are registered by the National Department of Social Development (NDSD), which also has the authority to deregister them. Organisations not adhering to the requirements of the national NPO Act can be found to be non-compliant and may be deregistered. 

Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “There are dangers in going to unregistered NPOs for services, for example, for the treatment of a substance use disorder. You may be swindled out of your money, or even face abuse. Registered programmes have been vetted by several government organisations to provide the client with the necessary levels of care. When a facility or programme is unregistered, departments like ours cannot offer support, or vouch for the safety or efficacy of the services rendered.”

The WCDSD has an NPO Helpdesk under the Institutional Capacity Building (ICB) unit that offers the following services:

• NPO walk-in Mobile Helpdesk from Monday to Thursday for NPO registration and compliance.
• NPO online mail service in terms of NPO registration and compliance
• NPO Mobile Helpdesk, taking NPO helpdesk services to communities for improved access to organisations in partnership with National DSD and our DSD regions.

The ICB unit has implemented various interventions to assist NPOs during this national deregistration process. 

According to the NDSD, there are 29,343 registered NPOs across the Western Cape, in various sectors. 20,475 of these organisations have been found to be non-compliant. 

2,384 NPOs have been deregistered.

In the 2024/2025 financial year, the ICB unit ran 30 NPO Mobile Helpdesk drives across the province, in partnership with National DSD, which assisted 503 NPOs with registration, compliance and related concerns. A further 1,433 NPOs were assisted at the NPO Helpdesk and through the mail.

During this same period, the ICB Unit also provided training to 425 staff from various DSD programmes and regional offices so they can assist funded organisations to be fully compliant.

Minister Londt added, “While our NPO Helpdesk is trying to assist as many organisations as possible to become compliant, we welcome the deregistration of NPOs that have failed to meet the requirements of the NPO Act. We must ensure that entities that are meant to strengthen the Western Cape Government’s hand are fit for purpose. If an organisation seeks to uplift and support individuals or communities, then they must do so responsibly, within the confines of prescribed regulations. Residents or the private sector that wish to donate must do so responsibly. Reach out to our department to find out if an organisation is registered.”

NPOs can access information on how to become compliant and various guidelines by visiting our website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/non-profit-organisation-npo-information

Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za