The City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has approved funding of R19,169,106 to qualifying community organisations in the form of Grants-in-Aid. This annual sponsorship will enable organisations to assist the most vulnerable groups in communities.
The disbursement of humanitarian aid to non-government organisations through sponsorship will enable recipients to implement various social upliftment programmes and improve the quality of life of many residents across the metropole.
The disbursement to 32 organisations will aid thousands of residents in need, which include the homeless, Early Childhood Development Centres as well as shelters working with survivors of gender-based violence.
Included in the total sponsorship is an amount of R2 319 600 for various Arts and Culture organisations.
‘We all have a shared responsibility to assist those in need, and our community organisations play an important role. Last year was extremely challenging and it’s heart-warming to see that there are so many organisations who are willing to assist our vulnerable groups in communities. Funding made available by the City will not only enable organisations to implement social programmes, but also build and strengthen relationships between the City and our communities,’ said Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
The Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department has already started with the signing of Memorandums of Agreement(MOA) with the various organisations.
The MOA is an important regulatory mechanism for financial management in ensuring that the sponsorship is disbursed for the intended purposes. It is envisaged that all organisations will sign the MOAs by the end of next week.
The following list shows the breakdown in funding per category:
Youth Involvement – R 3,189,516
People living with disabilities – R1,797,900.00
Early Childhood Development – R598,000.00
Street People – R7,493,690.00
Substance Abuse – R610,000
Gender Based Programmes – R3,160,400.00
• Arts and Culture – R 2, 319 600,00
‘I would like to thank all the organisations who assist our vulnerable groups and who are willing to share knowledge and expertise to reach out to those in need. Our ongoing efforts in working closely with organisations will assist in building community pride and protect human dignity and respect for our fellow citizens. Let us all work together in lending a helping hand to those who need it most,’ added Councillor Badroodien.
Source: City Of Cape Town
