​The Gauteng Department of Social Development, West Rand Region hosted NPO Sector information sharing session at Rand West City Municipality, Randfontein on Wednesday.
According to the Rand West City Municipal, Member of the Mayoral Committee (MMC) for Health and Social Services, Nozi Mapena, it is important to have this session so that all the NPOs understand the requirements to qualify for funding from the Gauteng Department of Social Development and all the necessary administrations processes.

The session follows concerns raised by several NPOs in the region. They directed their concerns to the Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC, Morakane Mosupyoe, claiming that they are not supported with funding. The session was convened to capacitate the sector with knowledge on processes to secure funding.

Sustainable Livelihood Directorate, Director Mbali Ndlovu, spoke to attendees on the importance of working together.

“As government we acknowledge that all organizations here today require support from Social Development and indeed, we are here for you. Please read the request for proposals carefully and adhere with all the requirements.

Make sure you submit all the required documents so that we can all hold our officials accountable. Organizations must be able to articulate the services that you are rendering and demonstrate how communities are going to benefit, and if its skills development, you need to have an exit strategy.”

Ndlovu further reiterated the need for these partnerships as they are an extension to social development services. She also urged the sector to hold government and officials accountable were necessary but also encouraged the sector to work with the department in order to improve our society.

Portia Dube, Community Development Supervisor from West Rand Region explained all the steps that are followed for funding NPOs. She said, “We have the following steps.

• STEP 1: Invitation of business proposals is sent to a data base of all interested NPOs and the advertisement is circulated on our departmental website, printed advertisement is put on our notice boards in the regional office, service centres and other Stakeholders within Rand West Municipality, Merafong Municipality and Mogale City.
• STEP 2: A briefing session for all interested NPO’s – and on the same day using the attendance register, a soft copy of the unit business plan is emailed to all organisations attended the briefing with the return dated and time this is usually happens around September, October and November of each year. NB it is the organisation’s responsibility to check the adverts both on notice boards as well as in the internet.
(SUBMISSION CLOSING DATE IS COMMUNICATED)
• STEP 3: All received applications are assessed (on site is conducted)
• STEP 4: Recommendation report is compiled and forwarded to the Province.
• STEP 5: All NPOs who meets the Criteria for funding are Panelled by Head office as well as the Region.
• STEP 6: Approval is done by both Head Office team and Regional team based on the NPOs competence and the available budget.

Please come to us or call us anytime if need help when you do not understand some of the requirements. We will ensure that we meet with you for any required assistance”, said Dube.