The closure of the following child youth care centres (CYCC): Leratong, Spreading the Love, Rhema Hands of Compassion, and Epworth Children’s Home is exceptionally disturbing, as this represents a provincial disaster of unprecedented proportions, stripping vulnerable children of their support networks and safe havens.
Over the past year, the CYCCs have witnessed the uncaring attitude of the Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Mbali Hlophe. Bethany House, a sanctuary for 160 vulnerable children in Gauteng, stands at a crossroads, desperate to receive funding to provide for the vulnerable children. Last week, Bethany House staff members received their last salaries, with the organisation informing them that they can no longer afford to pay salaries. The facility will be closed unless urgent funding is received from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD).
Bethany House has been a cornerstone of hope and support for the community, tirelessly serving the needs of its children despite facing insurmountable challenges. The root of these challenges lies in the irresponsible funding tactics employed by the GDSD for the past few years. Bethany House and many other NPOs have faced numerous challenges in securing essential funding.
Despite exhaustive efforts to collaborate with GDSD to ensure continuity of funding, they have been met with continual delays and obstructions. This NPO and many others across the province are solely dependent on government grants and have been informed that they will be signing the service level agreement with the department. Based on the previous experience, the service level agreements are finalised at the beginning of each year. This year, however, the process has been shrouded in controversy and uncertainty, further exacerbated by the suspension of top management within the department and the marred NPO application process.
The situation at Bethany House is not an isolated incident but a glaring example of a broader systemic failure that threatens the stability and efficacy of NPOs across Gauteng. These organisations are vital to our social fabric, often stepping in where government services reach their limits. The GDSD’s current approach undermines these efforts and places our most vulnerable populations at risk.
The DA is urging GDSD to address these funding issues immediately and transparently. It is of utmost importance that they engage in meaningful dialogue with NPOs to restore trust and ensure the continuity of services that many depend upon. The children of Bethany House and those like them across Gauteng deserve a future where their well-being is secured and prioritised.