‘It’s a dire situation’ - Gauteng NGOs hit by third year of funding delays
Epilepsy South Africa’s Gauteng branch warns it may have to shut its doors as government funding delays continue, leaving vulnerable residents at risk.
Six months into the financial year, a number of non-profit organisations have still not received their subsidies from the Gauteng Department of Social Development. Illustration: Lisa Nelson
702's Gugs Mhlungu spoke to Aileen Langley, Director of Epilepsy South Africa in Gauteng.
Listen to their conversation in the audio clip below.
Epilepsy South Africa’s Gauteng branch is facing a growing crisis due to ongoing delays in funding from the provincial Department of Social Development.
According to Langley, this marks the third consecutive year of delays.
"I think this has been the worst."
- Aileen Langley, Director of Epilepsy South Africa in Gauteng
The organisation supports 175 adult residents with epilepsy and other disabilities who are unable to live independently, as well as more than 180 community beneficiaries each day.
“We are now halfway through the third month of the first quarter, and we have still not received our subsidy, which really puts our residents and our community beneficiaries at huge risk."
- Aileen Langley, Director of Epilepsy South Africa in Gauteng
Langley explains that they are not a charity as they render professional services that include social workers and nurses, who have not been paid since April.
"... all we can do at this point is give them transport money to come to work. Also, our food security is now very low.”
- Aileen Langley, Director of Epilepsy South Africa in Gauteng
She says the government subsidy covers around 65% of their already stretched budget.
“We already do a lot of fundraising. What the government gives us in subsidies, and they pay quarterly, only makes up about 65% of our very lean budget to make sure that we can render the services. If we don't get that 65% from the government, our organisation would simply have to close.”
- Aileen Langley, Director of Epilepsy South Africa in Gauteng
Langley is urging the public to step in with immediate help, especially food.
"...food is our biggest crisis at this point...I would like to invite people to come and see our facilities…”
- Aileen Langley, Director of Epilepsy South Africa in Gauteng
To find out how you can help or donate, visit Epilepsy South Africa’s website.
"It's a very dire situation."
- Aileen Langley, Director of Epilepsy South Africa in Gauteng
Scroll up to listen to the full conversation