Dozens of non-governmental organisation (NGO) representatives gathered at nonprofit trust Inyathelo’s Civil Society Hub in Woodstock, Cape Town on Monday 27 February to celebrate World NGO Day.
The NGO representatives met at the Hub – considered the only dedicated NGO facility in Africa – to network, inform themselves about sector services, and to share their stories.
Inyathelo focused on financial sustainability, governance and financial resilience training, while three guest organisations provided advice on NGO compliance, mental health, and technology.
Staff from the Department of Social Development (DSD) helped NGOs to check their registration status and obtain advice on documentation.
Sallvon Fransman, Policy Developer in the Institutional Capacity Building Unit of the DSD, said 28 334 Western Cape non-profits (NPOs) are registered. However, 70% (17 000) do not comply with legislation. They have either not submitted annual financial statements for one or more years, or have not provided narrative reports on their interventions over a financial year.
Kia Cordeiro, Cape Town coordinator of the SA Depression and Anxiety Group, shared information on NPOwer, a first-of-its kind NPO mental health support programme and 24-hour toll-free helpline. NPO’s provide many crucial services, but their resources are often stretched and staff may experience trauma, strain and trauma.
Phambano Technology Development Centre NPC, which specialises in technology capacity building in civil society organisations, was represented by Executive Assistant Di Ruthenberg.
Inyathelo also recorded the personal stories of several NGO leaders and staff. These will be shared online to inform and motivate others working in, or considering joining, the sector.
“We so appreciate the enthusiastic participation of the DSD, NPOwer and Phambano,” said Inyathelo acting Executive Director Feryal Domingo. “We were delighted by the high attendance and networking. Several people visited our Hub for the first time and are interested in further training. World NGO Day was a great opportunity to raise awareness of how much expertise is available to support those working in our sector.”
The universal concept of World NGO Day is to celebrate, commemorate and collaborate with various NGOs around the world, and the people behind them who contribute to society all year around. It aims to inspire people to become more actively involved within the NGO sector and to encourage greater interaction between NGOs and the public and private sectors. See https://worldngoday.org/
