POWA says it faces an uncertain future after closure plans due to lack of funding

JOHANNESBURG - Non-profit organisation (NPO) People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) says it’s been thrust into a period of uncertainty after announcing plans to close its doors.

Last week, it emerged the women’s rights organisation faced a shutdown, driven in part by funding issues from the Department of Social Development.

It's the end of an era for the NPO, which was established in 1979 with the sole aim of fighting violence against women, not only in South Africa but in the continent as a whole.

POWA, which runs six offices, two shelters, two care centres and five victim-friendly rooms, said its closure would directly impact its work aimed at protecting women and children.

It has had to let go of more than 17 staff members due to a lack of funding by the department.

The organisation is among several non-profits that are facing a shutdown due to a lack of funding.

The Department of Social Development in the province operates by paying non-profits in advance quarterly, and the latest payments were made earlier in 2024. 

However, several organisations claim to have only received funds that have lasted a mere three months to cover daily operations, funds that most claim to have been exhausted in March.

“We are really trying to reach out to other funders out there, to our donators. At least if our staff is paid, because they continue to volunteer on the ground,” said POWA's executive director, Thoko Budaza.

“Now they are unemployed, and they are doing it out of the goodness of their heart, and they have to walk long distances because we are trying.”

Meanwhile, the department insisted it signed compliance agreements with affected NPO's 

It further asked for calm while it worked to resolve the matter.