KZN MEC LAUNCHES 2027/2028 SECTOR FUNDING POLICY ADVERTISEMENT TO STRENGTHEN SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES

• KwaZulu-Natal organisations in the social services sector have until 30 June 2026 to submit their funding applications to the provincial Department of Social Development.
• The province’s MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, officially launched the advertisement process for the 2027/2028 Sector Funding Policy applications on 21 May 2026.
• A substantial portion of the department’s budget is allocated to non-profit organisations that are important implementing partners extending government services to vulnerable groups.

The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Social Development, Mbali Shinga, officially launched the advertisement process for the 2027/2028 Sector Funding Policy (SFP) applications during a media briefing held at Nto’s Boutique Hotel in La Lucia, Durban.

The engagement was attended by the head of the provincial department, Onkemetse Kabasia, senior departmental executives, representatives from the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), members of the social development portfolio committee, councillors, non-profit organisations (NPOs) from across all districts, and members of the media.

The launch marks a significant step in the department’s broader strategy to strengthen governance, accountability and equitable service delivery within the social development sector.

A substantial portion of the department’s budget is allocated to NPOs, recognising their critical role as implementing partners that extend government services to vulnerable groups, including children, women, youth, older persons and persons with disabilities.

As the current funding cycle concludes in March 2027, the department has commenced preparations for the next funding season to ensure continuity of essential social services throughout the province.

Delivering a message of support, Councillor Ntombikayise Sibhidla emphasised the importance of collaboration among government, civil society and community stakeholders in addressing social challenges and uplifting communities across KwaZulu-Natal.

Her remarks reinforced the department’s ongoing call for collective responsibility in tackling poverty, social instability and vulnerability.

Providing an overview of the Sector Funding Policy and its implementation plan, deputy director-general Xaba Makhetha explained that the policy emerged from the need to reform and modernise the previous funding framework.

The revised policy seeks to align funding allocations with provincial and departmental priorities while ensuring compliance with legislative requirements governing NPOs. Importantly, the policy introduces a more structured and transparent funding model aimed at enhancing accountability and restoring public confidence in the funding process.

Makhetha further outlined that the funding rollout plan consists of eight phases, with district-level consultations already conducted across the province to prepare NPOs for compliance requirements and application procedures.

Additional engagements will continue to support organisations throughout the process.

In an effort to improve accessibility and inclusivity, application forms will be available in locally spoken languages and distributed through local service offices.

Departmental officials will also be available to assist organisations in complying with application requirements and navigating the process effectively.

To safeguard the credibility of the system, the department has introduced stringent security and verification measures designed to strengthen the integrity of applications and funding adjudication processes, with NPOs urged to avoid last-minute submissions to minimise administrative challenges and ensure adequate support where necessary.

In her keynote address, MEC Shinga contextualised the importance of the Sector Funding Policy within the broader social realities confronting the province, particularly the increasing prevalence of child abuse, neglect, substance abuse and poverty.

She noted that these social ills continue to place immense pressure on families and communities, making partnerships with compliant and capable NPOs more important than ever.

“Today is not merely about the advertisement process, but about ensuring that the most vulnerable members of society receive the support and protection they need,” said MEC Shinga.

The MEC acknowledged that concerns about transparency and fairness in past funding processes required reform of the funding framework.

She stated that the Sector Funding Policy establishes a uniform, fair, and transparent system for allocating resources to NPOs, while also promoting consistency and accountability across the sector.

She highlighted that extensive consultations had already been undertaken across all 12 districts of KwaZulu-Natal, demonstrating the department’s commitment to participatory governance and improved service delivery.

To maximise public awareness and reach, the advertisement has been published through four widely circulated print media platforms in the province.

Applications for the 2027/2028 funding cycle officially opened on 21 May 2026 and will close on 30 June 2026.

Concluding her address, MEC Shinga described the process as one aimed at restoring dignity, trust and confidence between government and communities, while empowering citizens through transparent and inclusive development processes.