Tshwane Child Welfare, a century-old organization providing extensive child protection services, is in dire straits as it faces potential closure due to halted government funding. Nina de Caires, the director, voiced her deep concerns over the financial uncertainty, which jeopardizes the care of 46 children housed in their Child and Youth Care Center and the broader services they offer to around 17,000 individuals annually.
Since April, non-profits across Gauteng, including Tshwane Child Welfare, have not received expected subsidies, leading to service reductions or closures. Despite multiple communication attempts, the provincial social development department has remained unresponsive. De Caires criticized the department’s lack of communication and the abrupt designation of their organization as non-compliant without explanation.
Rata Social Services and the West Rand Association for Persons with Disabilities similarly face serious challenges. Rata, struggling with contractual changes and delayed financial support, risks staff cuts and service disruptions affecting its 12,000 beneficiaries. Meanwhile, Annalene Rossouw of the West Rand Association described a bleak situation of depleted reserves and looming utility shutdowns, imperiling the support for their numerous disabled beneficiaries.
Despite promises of imminent payments from the department, non-profits remain in financial limbo, with critical services for vulnerable populations hanging by a thread. Without immediate resolution, the well-being of many reliant individuals is at grave risk.
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