NGO funding crisis due to NLB grant delays - Albert Fritz
Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in crisis while they wait for National Lotteries Board (NLB) funds: Media Statement by Albert Fritz, Western Cape MEC of Social Development
24 Jul 2012
With non-governmental organisations (NGOs) having to close shop and retrench staff, it is time for the National Lotteries Board (NLB) to be held accountable. I am very concerned about the recent news of retrenchment of key staff at Rape Crisis due to lack of funding (see Daily Maverick report).
We have tried to accommodate struggling NGOs like the Saartjie Baartman Centre and Rape Crisis by allocating extra money for additional services rendered. While this was a welcome contribution, it is not sufficient to sustain these and other organisations in the long term.
With a budget of only R700 million, my department partially funds nearly 2 000 NGOs across the province. These NGOs are independent entities, not state agencies. We therefore do not fund 100% of their running costs. We also cannot keep making extra money available - the pool will dry up.
Following the loss of many international donors, the need for the NLB to expedite the payment of funds to NGOs is now critical.
According to a report on the NLB website, the acting CEO, Professor Alfred Nevhutanda, has introduced major steps for change in the operations of the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF). While these strategic shifts may have benefits in the future, the crisis is upon us now. I welcome any positive changes that the organisation wants to make in ensuring the money goes to where it is most needed.
However, the NGOs that have to retrench staff and shut their doors don't have the luxury of time on their side.
I will be taking up this matter with Professor Nevhutanda and asking the following questions:
- How many NGOs in the Western Cape have been identified for funding in this financial year?
- How much money is available to be paid to NGOs in the Western Cape?
- What are the reasons for the delay in payments to NGOs?
Statement issued by Western Cape Social Development, July 24 2012
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Comments
I ran an excellent NGO for eight years in which we placed,over eight thousand people into jobs.For every mind-numbing year of the eight,my funds were paid late by anything varying from six weeks to six months,which resulted in me spending R400 000 of my . .more
by Pedro on July 26 2012, 08:40
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That is the reality, but no matter what the ANC does, the masses will continue to vote them into power, again and again and again. Perhaps it is time to sit back and let them get on with it, untill there is nothing left and guess what they will still . .more
by Open Minded on July 26 2012, 10:23
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Google " Daily Maverick - National savings 'lottery' an idea whose time has come. Again"
"We care about the poor!" sic
by DM on July 26 2012, 18:57
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Find somebody to do the admin. I have found that the reason for many departments not paying is because the staff do not know how to go about doing it.
by Charlie on August 02 2012, 18:49
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