NDA STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND GBVF RESPONSE IN NORTHERN CAPE

By Lesego Ranchu

• NDA funding of over R1.9 million supports poverty eradication programmes across the Frances Baard District.
• Civil society organisations are empowered to drive job creation, food security, and skills development initiatives.
• Targeted GBVF interventions, including support for survivors and economic empowerment programmes, are transforming communities.

The National Development Agency (NDA) continues to play a pivotal role in advancing poverty eradication and strengthening community development across the Northern Cape, delivering tangible impact through funding, partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives.

Over the past five years, the NDA has supported a wide range of programmes that have contributed to job creation, infrastructure development, and the sustainability of civil society organisations (CSOs) across the province. These efforts were further reinforced during a recent service delivery outreach and oversight visit led by the Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, in the Sol Plaatjie Local Municipality within the Frances Baard District.

As a key entity of the Department of Social Development, the NDA provides grant funding to CSOs and primary co-operatives operating in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, manufacturing, and the oceans economy. It also supports non-profit organisations, including Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres, Service Centres, and Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs), all of which are instrumental in implementing poverty alleviation programmes at community level.

In the Frances Baard District Municipality alone, the NDA has disbursed over R1.9 million in funding towards initiatives focused on food security, nutrition, skills development, and income-generating activities. These include projects in sewing, recycling, arts and culture, and brick-making cooperatives, some of which have provided opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration of previously incarcerated individuals.

A key area of focus for the NDA is addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) through funding and institutional support for organisations delivering frontline services. One such organisation is the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre (SGADC) based in Coleville, which provides holistic support services to survivors of GBVF and members of the LGBTIQA+ community.

SGADC offers a comprehensive range of services, including trauma counselling, emergency transport, court accompaniment, and long-term psychosocial support for survivors and their families. The centre also drives prevention initiatives such as men’s dialogues and interfaith engagements aimed at transforming harmful social norms.

Reflecting on the organisation’s growth, Director Mr Shaine Griqua highlighted the importance of NDA funding in unlocking further opportunities:
“The NDA were our first funders for the GBVF programme, and since then we have been able to attract additional support from various institutions because we were able to account for the initial funding.”

In a further boost to community development, the NDA has partnered with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to enhance SGADC’s economic empowerment initiatives. This collaboration will establish a community food garden on previously unused land, contributing to both food security and sustainable livelihoods.

Additional organisations, including Tswelelang Agricultural Cooperative, Tholwana Soup Kitchen Cooperative, and Agape Community Upliftment Project, will also benefit from support to implement programmes focused on agriculture, sewing, and social welfare.

According to NDA Northern Cape Provincial Manager, Mr Itumeleng Kwenane, these initiatives are aligned with Pillar 5 of South Africa’s National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which emphasises economic empowerment as a critical tool in breaking cycles of abuse.

“We are pleased with the partnership and look forward to the positive impact these programmes will have in strengthening economic independence and improving the lives of community members,” said Kwenane.

Through sustained investment, strategic partnerships, and community-driven interventions, the NDA continues to advance inclusive development and restore dignity to vulnerable individuals and communities across the Northern Cape.