GAUTENG DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT SIGNS FUNDING AGREEMENTS WITH NPOS

By Lawrence Mashabela & Teddy Gomba

• Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) and Non Profit Organisations (NPOs) rebuild bridges following two years of funding uncertainty and strained ties
• DSD tables R1.9 billion in funding for approved NPOs for the 2025/26 financial year for 1000 NPOs
• “Compliance with all relevant legislation and standards governing NPOs is non-negotiable,” MEC Faith Mazibuko

The Gauteng Department of Social Development has taken a significant step in restoring trust with the non-profit sector, announcing R1.9 billion in funding for approved NPOs for the 2025/26 financial year.

More than 1,000 NPO representatives gathered at Johannesburg City Hall on Monday, where MEC Faith Mazibuko officially handed over appointment letters to organisations selected to partner with the Department. The event signalled a fresh start in the relationship between the department and civil society following two years of funding uncertainty and strained ties.

“We value the work that you do, which is why we take you seriously. Public funds must be accounted for and utilized for the services you committed to providing,”— MEC Faith Mazibuko

Transparent and Inclusive Funding Process

To ensure fairness, the Department issued a call for proposals on 5 October 2024. More than 1,600 applications were received, followed by site visits between November 2024 and January 2025 to assess compliance and eligibility.

The Department’s budget will be distributed across priority areas including:

• ⁠ ⁠Child protection services
• ⁠ ⁠Elderly care
• ⁠ ⁠Substance abuse and crime prevention
• ⁠ ⁠Sustainable livelihoods
• ⁠ ⁠Youth development
• ⁠ ⁠Support for Persons with Disabilities

A New Chapter for NPO Collaboration

Successful NPOs will soon enter into Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with the Department. MEC Mazibuko emphasized the need for immediate implementation and strong accountability.“Compliance with all relevant legislation and standards governing NPOs is non-negotiable,” she added. 

Sector Relief After Years of Uncertainty

For many NPOs, the funding announcement comes as a much-needed relief.

“The past two to three years have been challenging, but we are pleased the struggle is over. We can now focus on providing services to our people,”— Nhlanhla Zwane, Founder and Director of the African Youth Development Fund

The Department's renewed commitment signals a strengthened partnership between government and the non-profit sector in ­ties.