SayPro Feedback Report: NPO Forum – Gauteng Department of Social Development

Date: 20 May 2025
Time: 10:00 AM
Venue: Gauteng Department of Social Development

1. Welcome and Introduction

Mr. Lekhalanyane opened the forum by warmly welcoming all attendees. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Department and NPOs in achieving developmental objectives and introduced the agenda for the day.

2. Apologies

Apologies were shared by all representatives unable to attend the forum. These were duly noted and will be included in the meeting minutes.

3. Introduction of New NPOs

All present introduced themselves and their respective organizations. A number of new NPOs were welcomed to the network, and their contributions to social development were acknowledged. This session fostered networking and encouraged integration of new members into existing platforms and communication streams.

4. M\&E Report 2024/25 – Ms. Makena

Ms. Makena presented a detailed Monitoring and Evaluation (M\&E) report for the 2024/25 financial year. Key highlights included:

• Improved compliance with reporting requirements among funded NPOs.
• Identified gaps in data collection and capacity building needs.
• Recognition of high-performing NPOs, along with recommendations for improving weaker areas.

5. APP 2025/26 – Mr. Lekhalanyane

Mr. Lekhalanyane presented the Annual Performance Plan (APP) for 2025/26. He outlined the department’s strategic priorities and how NPOs will contribute to these goals. Emphasis was placed on:

• Youth development
• Poverty alleviation initiatives
• Gender-based violence response programs
  Clear alignment between the APP and individual NPO work plans was encouraged.

6. Signing of SLAs – Ms. Chauke

Ms. Chauke facilitated the signing of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between the Department and NPOs. She reminded all present of the legal and operational importance of these agreements and ensured that all queries were addressed before signing.

7. Payment Progress – Ms. Chauke

Ms. Chauke provided a comprehensive update on the payment status of funded NPOs:

• Most payments for Q1 have been processed.
• Delays were acknowledged in a few cases due to outstanding compliance documents.
• NPOs were encouraged to maintain prompt submission of required reports to avoid future delays.

8. Reporting Template – Ms. Makena

Ms. Makena introduced the updated reporting template to be used moving forward. Key changes include:

• Standardized financial reporting sections
• Inclusion of impact metrics and narrative reporting
  She offered support to NPOs that require assistance in adapting to the new format.

9. Rotation of Staff at NPOs – Ms. Chauke

An update on staff changes within funded NPOs was provided. Notably, Mr. Mashudu has been appointed as the new M\&E officer for the Diepsloot Youth Project. This change is expected to bring fresh insight and energy to the project’s evaluation processes.

10. Any Other Business (AOB)

Participants raised several points during AOB, including:

• Request for additional training sessions on financial management.
• Inquiry into potential mid-year review processes.
• Call for improved communication regarding policy updates.

11. Closure – Ms. Chauke

Ms. Chauke officially closed the meeting by thanking all attendees for their active participation. She reiterated the Department’s commitment to supporting NPOs and encouraged continued transparency and collaboration throughout the financial year.