Cape Times reports that hundreds of NGOs that rely on government funding to operate face an uncertain future with reports that grants might be paid late due to the ongoing social workers’ strike.  

Over the past five weeks, National Health Education and Allied Workers Union (Nehawu) staff at the Department of Social Development (DSD) have been on strike demanding better salaries.  Service level agreements (SLAs) between NGOs and the government have been delayed due to the striking government workers, meaning that no funds can be delivered.  The first financial year payments for many of these NGOs was already due early this month, but now seems unlikely to be delivered.  The NGOs provide critical care to the aged, children and people with disabilities, and use government funding for operational costs and staff salaries.  The DSD at the weekend said it had been inundated with complaints over such SLAs.  DSD spokesperson Mbangwa Xaba said on Sunday that the department was in panic mode, but was hoping the impasse would be resolved soon.  Nehawu general secretary Bereng Soke said the union was due to meet the DSD on Monday and was hopeful the matter would be resolved.

• Read this report by Sihle Manda in full at Cape Times

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