Grants to assist civil society

THE ethekwini Municipality has launched a grant-in-aid programme to assist 50 community organisations.

The programme seeks to provide financial and material support to civil society organisations involved in initiatives cultural, sporting and education and skills development.

Great emphasis is placed on supporting organisations that focus on the development of youth, women, children, senior citizens and people with disabilities.

The programme was launched earlier this month and was expected to benefit wards across the city.

Mluleki Mntungwa, the mayoral spokesperson, said the city had budgeted R7 million for the grant-in aid programme, and the plan was to benefit organisations from the 110 wards of ethekwini Metro.

“To qualify for the grant you must reside within the boundaries of the municipality and have not benefited in the past three years. Organisations that received any type of funding from other organs of state or corporates will not be considered.

“The organisation must also be registered with all supporting documents clearly indicating members and addresses,” he said.

The consequences of the Covid19 pandemic also have far-reaching implications for the role that NGOS play in the lives of millions of South Africans.

Mntungwa said the more than 220 000 NGOS registered with the Department of Social Development, as well as many community-based organisations, perform crucial development, humanitarian and advocacy functions, and are an integral part of the fabric of our society.

Most NGOS are dependent on grant funding and individual donations to support their operations.