Gauteng MEC for Health and Social Development, Qedani Mahlangu, has noted with concern allegations of the non-payment of mental health sector NGOs and the alleged effect this is having on their operations. These allegations are baseless, malicious and misleading.
MEC Mahlangu would like to once more emphasise that she remains open to engagement with all stakeholders who have issues with the department and as such there is no justification for anyone to run to the media with inaccurate information.
For the record, the department has approved funding for 84 mental health NGOs and not 103 as alleged in the reports. Of the approved number, 52 have been processed for payment. The remainder will be paid once all the required documentation has been received by the department and service level agreements have been finalised.
Any pending evictions of NGO have not been brought to the attention of the department. Once the department is informed, necessary steps will be taken to ensure that we intervene and negotiate with affected parties.
The delay in payments is also as a result of some NGOs not submitting claim forms and financial reports timeously.
"We remain committed to ensure that NGOs and other organisations which assist the department to deliver services receive funding without any delays as they their role is essential in the provision of much needed services in communities," she said.
"It is also incumbent on the NGOs and non-profit organisations (NPOs) to ensure that they comply with all the legislative requirements such as the Public finance Management Act, for any funding to happen," added MEC Mahlangu.
The department has since ring fenced the budget for the NGO sector going forward without compromising the service delivery by the NPO sector.
Enquiries:
Mandla Sidu
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