By Madali Chibambu
The relationship between government and the non-profit organisation (NPO) sector is one that cannot be separated. Across Gauteng, thousands of NPOs provide critical services to children, Older Persons, Persons with Disabilities, victims of Gender-Based Violence, people battling substance abuse, and many other vulnerable groups. Their work strengthens communities and often reaches people long before government services can.
For this reason, the ongoing debate around NPO funding in Gauteng deserves careful reflection. While concerns about funding delays and administrative challenges are legitimate, there is another side to the conversation that cannot be ignored: compliance and good governance within the NPO sector itself.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development has consistently demonstrated its willingness to work with NPOs. Through funding programmes, stakeholder engagements, NPO forums, summits, training sessions and ongoing support, the department continues to create opportunities for organisations to access guidance and assistance. The Department understands that NPOs are key partners in delivering social services and remains committed to strengthening this partnership.
However, partnership is a shared responsibility.
Having engaged with both funded and non-funded organisations across the province, it is evident that while some funding challenges stem from administrative processes within government, others arise from shortcomings within organisations themselves. In several instances, applications were submitted late, supporting documents were incomplete, financial statements were outstanding, contact details were incorrect, or organisations failed to respond to departmental requests for additional information.
This does not apply to all NPOs. Many organisations operate professionally, maintain strong governance systems and consistently meet funding requirements. Their commitment to compliance often allows funding processes to move more smoothly.
One NPO in the Vaal region provided a useful example. The organisation maintains accurate financial records throughout the year, works closely with qualified financial professionals, prepares funding applications well ahead of deadlines and ensures that all supporting documents are readily available when required. Compliance is treated as an ongoing responsibility rather than a task performed shortly before funding applications are due.
Its experience highlights an important lesson: successful funding applications are built long before submission dates arrive.
Another organisation providing Victim Empowerment services submitted its application on time but later discovered that funding had not been approved. Departmental officials had attempted to make contact regarding minor corrections that were required before the application could be finalised. Unfortunately, calls went unanswered and the contact details on record were no longer active. Once communication was restored and the outstanding issues addressed, the funding process was completed.
Such examples demonstrate that not every funding delay can be attributed to government inefficiency. In some cases, communication breakdowns and administrative weaknesses within organisations contribute to the problem.
This reality should not diminish the genuine frustrations experienced by many NPOs when delays occur. When government processes are delayed, beneficiaries often suffer the consequences. Government must continue improving efficiency, reducing administrative bottlenecks and ensuring that approved funding reaches organisations on time.
Encouragingly, progress is being made. The Gauteng Department of Social Development recently reported that R339.3 million had been paid to approved NPOs during the first quarter of the 2026/27 financial year. A total of 1,298 Service Level Agreements were signed, with 1,131 organisations already paid and the remaining payments being processed.
These figures reflect ongoing efforts by the department to strengthen funding administration and support service delivery across the province.
At the same time, NPO leadership must recognise that compliance is not optional. Organisations seeking public funding have a responsibility to maintain proper governance structures, submit complete applications, keep financial records up to date, respond to official correspondence and meet all reporting obligations.
Funding applications should not be treated as annual events. Preparation must take place throughout the year. Financial records should be updated regularly, governance structures should remain functional, and communication channels should always be accessible.
The Gauteng Department of Social Development remains committed to working with the NPO sector because government cannot address social challenges alone. But for this partnership to succeed, accountability must exist on both sides.
The conversation around NPO funding should therefore move beyond assigning blame. Instead, it should focus on strengthening cooperation, improving communication and building a sector that is both sustainable and compliant.
Ultimately, the greatest responsibility belongs to all of us. Every administrative delay, every incomplete application and every missed communication has a direct impact on the vulnerable people who depend on these services. They are the reason government and NPOs must continue working together, guided by transparency, accountability and a shared commitment to service delivery.
Chibambu is a Communicator in Gauteng Department of Social Development
