Premier Nomvula Mokonyane yesterday acknowledged the contribution made by non-governmental organisations (NGO) in improving lives of the people.
“NGOs have over the years made a great contribution to the general lives of the people and continue to work hard under difficult and challenging conditions to help the people, especially the poor,” said Premier Mokonyane.
This recognition was made at a meeting held in Turffontein on Wednesday, 24 March with Members of the Executive Council (MECs), non-profit organisations (NPOs) and NGOs who are working in Gauteng communities.
She said that she was informed that some NGOs were struggling to stay afloat due to delays in the release of funds from the government, which the people jokingly refer to as a “dry season”.
“The problem has since been resolved and funds were released to deserving NGOs so they can continue with their important work,” she said.
She however, made it clear that NGOs who depended on funding would therefore had to meet all requirements of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and other laws governing public spending.
She said: “Government and NGOs do not compete. They work together towards a common goal. So NGOs do not substitute government departments but complement them and work with them to provide services to the people.”
The Gauteng premier said that the relationship between the government and NGOs was defined by the desire to work together towards the creation of a better life for all.
“Desist this demand and distortion that NGOs must become sites of job opportunities. The government is not a donor but your partner. Take ownership of your organisation.
“You do this work because you believe it is part of your responsibility, not for getting you money. You must prioritise,” emphasised Premier Mokonyane.
Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
25 March 2010
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gautengonline.gov.za/
