In the past month, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have faced a 50% budget cut on their social development grant by the Gauteng government at the end of April 2023. The NGOs represented social services that provide care for vulnerable children, elderly, and people with disabilities. While the department has promised to reimburse the remainder of their grant by 15 May 2023, there has not been more information provided surrounding on how the funding model worth R2,3 billion will be reconfigured beyond June 2023.

According to reports, some NGOs have shared that they were not consulted on the impending decision. Social workers in the province picketed outside of Department’s office for this decision as it woul d comprise their jobs. In this hour, we will be giving a platform to affected NGOs to share how they use the funds to operate and provide social services to communities.

Guest: Sanet van Moerkerken - Social Worker and Program Manager at the Springs and KwaThema Child Welfare

Guest: Dr Blanché Verster - Head of Social Services at SAVF

Guest: Trienie Drotschie - Director of Tutela