Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, has called on Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) funded by the Department to fully embrace the new online funding application system designed to streamline and enhance the efficiency of application and payment processes.
MEC Mazibuko made this call during five day back-to-back mandatory training and workshop sessions held across all the five corridors from 04 – 08 August 2025.
The Department has launched an innovative digital platform, the NPO Funding Management System, known as Grantor, to manage all funding applications and payments electronically. This marks a significant step toward eliminating long-standing administrative delays that have historically disrupted the timely processing of NPO claims and disbursements.
"This is good news for all of us. It will make life easier by resolving persistent challenges and helping us work more efficiently. You will no longer blame officials for delays, the system will be in your hands," said MEC Mazibuko.
She stressed the importance of complying with Departmental norms and standards, highlighting that the shift to digital platforms is not just about convenience but is also aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery.
"Let us ensure that we comply with all the relevant legislations and requirements. Compliance ensures legal standing, transparency, and access to the benefits of doing business with the Department," she added.
MEC Mazibuko further announced that the Department is engaging with major retail chains with the aim of phasing out traditional food parcels and replacing them with food vouchers. This transition is intended to restore dignity and urgency to beneficiaries by allowing them to choose the food items they need.
"This is so that our beneficiaries can have choices on the food they need, rather than receiving the same items repeatedly," she said.
She also revealed that discussions are underway with the National Department of Social Development to delegate certain NPO-related functions to the provincial level, in a bid to cut red tape, remove the human element from application assessments, and reduce the current 30-page process into a more simplified, user-friendly system.
"This effort is meant to eliminate the human element in funding applications, avoid long queues and missing information," she explained.
The MEC confirmed that the Call for Proposals for the 2026/27 funding cycle will be open from 18 August to 30 September 2025. MEC Mazibuko urged all compliant and eligible NPOs to prepare and submit their applications promptly once the call is officially published.
"NPOs are encouraged to start ensuring they meet all requirements, including Health or Occupational Certificates where applicable. We anticipate that outcome letters will be issued by December 2025, and first payments to successful NPOs will be made by April 2026," said MEC Mazibuko.
Workshops in all the corridors were well attended by NPOs across key sectors such as Children's Services, Older Persons, Victim Empowerment, Skills Development, Substance Abuse and other social development related sectors. The sessions not only introduced the Grantor system but also provided an open platform for NPOs to raise questions and give feedback directly to the MEC.
The Department's move towards digitisation, coupled with reforms in food relief distribution, signals a broader commitment to innovation, efficiency, and putting the dignity of communities at the centre of service delivery.