NPOS ARE URGED TO MAINTAIN A GREEN STATUS ON COMPLIANCE ISSUES

By Phetoho Maja

• Gauteng MEC Faith Mazibuko stressed the importance of compliance for non-profit organisations (NPOs) to secure government funding, highlighting it as a major challenge in the sector.
• The department is committed to advocating for NPOs through the Inter-Governmental Relations forum, including lobbying for faster issuance of compliance certificates and waiving certain costs.
• Quarterly NPO Imbizo sessions will be held to empower NPOs and address any concerns, ensuring ethical and efficient use of funds.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, under MEC Faith Mazibuko, has underscored the critical importance of compliance for non-profit organisations (NPOs) in the province. During a media briefing in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Sunday, alongside MEC for Finance and Economic Development Lebogang Maile, Mazibuko highlighted compliance as a significant challenge facing the sector.

“Compliance is one of the major challenges faced by NPOs,” said Mazibuko. “As a government, we cannot fund non-compliant NPOs. Doing so would not only raise audit queries but also constitute a clear violation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). To support the sector, the department regularly hosts workshops to educate NPOs about compliance requirements.”

Mazibuko also noted the department’s efforts to advocate for NPOs through Inter-Governmental Relations (IGR) forum meetings. This advocacy includes lobbying municipalities to expedite and reasonably process compliance certificates for NPOs and to consider waiving some associated costs.

“While we are committed to collaborating with the NPO sector, we also expect accountability for the funds disbursed,” she added. “We aim to foster an ethical, professional, efficient, and robust sector, ensuring strengthened monitoring and the eradication of corruption and maladministration.”

To further these efforts, the Gauteng Department of Social Development will host quarterly NPO Imbizo sessions. These gatherings will serve as a platform to empower NPOs and resolve any misunderstandings or concerns, facilitating a transparent and cooperative relationship between the department and the NPO sector.