World NGO Day

Today marks World NGO Day, and so we salute the work done by the 1 131 organisations funded by the Department of Social Development, and many more who provide social welfare and community development services.

“I want to celebrate and honour all Non-Governmental Organisations that work tirelessly in serving the public on behalf of – and in collaboration with – the Western Cape Department of Social Development. An unstable economy, high unemployment, crime and poverty levels have led to an increase in the demand for social services, which includes food relief. A collaborative approach is more important than ever before to provide services to the most vulnerable in our society,” says Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez. 

There are currently 28 334 registered NPOs in the Western Cape, compared to 26 861 last year. (This includes NPOs who work across various sectors, and not limited to the social development sector).

The Department’s NPO Help Desk was established to assist with registration support, compliance status information, NPO training, and certificate distribution.

They have assisted an average of 1 000 organisations each year with compliance and registration. Furthermore, 44 training sessions on good governance were conducted this year, equipping hundreds of organisations with information and tools needed to ensure that they are compliant as they deliver critical services and improve the lives of citizens across the province.

“Thank you to each and every person working for an NGO, from management, employees, volunteers, and supporters. Each one of you play an integral role in this space. I implore citizens who are able to, to please support NGOs in any way you can.

“As government, we can only address the social ills plaguing communities effectively with a whole-of-society approach, which includes residents, NGOs, and the corporate sector,” says Fernandez.

For information about the NPO Help Desk, registration information, and forms, visit   https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/npo-help-desk or call 0800 220 250.

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Media Enquiries: 

Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Spokesperson for MEC Sharna Fernandez

Department of Social Development

Tel: 084 775 2975

E-mail: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za

Website: www.westerncape.gov.za