Funding crisis threatens vital NGOs
- Knysna owes a great deal of its social fabric to the presence of numerous NGOs that provide vital services to vulnerable groups and address pressing community needs. However, recent reports have shed light on a funding crisis that has put these organisations at risk. The Western Cape Government's acknowledgment of insufficient funding for NGOs has raised concerns about the future of Knysna's social support systems.
NGOs in Knysna rely heavily on government support to sustain their operations, pay staff, and carry out their work.
Educational programmes, healthcare initiatives, and support systems for vulnerable groups may be curtailed or even discontinued.
In light of this challenge, the Knysna community, local businesses, and concerned individuals are asked to voice their concerns and address the funding crisis facing NGOs.
“FAMSA Knysna has served the Knysna area, stretching from Sedgefield through to Plettenberg Bay and surrounding areas, for more than 30 years. FK relies on government funding to cover 79% of our annual income to cover running costs and programmes to individuals, couples and families through counselling, training, and community workshops.” says Karin DuPlessis, Director of FAMSA, a non profit organisation that provides counselling resources for the broader community.
The Knysna Business Chamber has established an NGO/FBO subcommittee dedicated to finding solutions. NGOs can join this forum for a nominal fee of R10 per month (R120 per year). Interested parties can contact Jan van der Westhuizen at 083 468 6750 or Pastor Steve Olivier at 083 260 9775.
The impact of slashed funding causes further socio economic issues. “Empowering the vulnerable, igniting potential, advocating for rights, are the foundations on which I base my career. Without the support from the Department of Social Development, how will I reach a vulnerable grant mother in a different town, whose grant child has a disability, where I am the only support to that family? How will vulnerable people living with disabilities, make themselves heard, when those who desperately want to advocate for their rights can’t do so?” asks Abigail September, a community social worker for Epilepsy SK
DSD's representative has also expressed concerns about the impact of budget cuts. They believe that budget cuts will negatively affect service delivery, community engagement, and the ability to provide effective services. They also warn that staff will likely be retrenched without any pay increases or bonuses.