Some local organisations that lost funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) say they are still facing serious financial constraints, despite contributions they have received from various companies and individuals. GRIP and Childline Mpumalanga are two of the organisations in Mpumalanga that are facing financial pressure.

This after the 90-day pause in funding by USAID became an official termination of funds. USAID and its flagship initiative, the President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief, had been assisting with funding.
GRIP and Childline recently said they are trying to stay afloat and figuring out how they can continue providing the services that have been affected by the lack of funds.

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Lowvelder previously reported on the challenges that GRIP and Childline Mpumalanga are facing.

GRIP lost 52% of its annual funding, which amounts to about R8m. It would receive the funds through the Networking HIV and Aids Community of Southern Africa.

GRIP renders services to thousands of survivors of rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. GRIP’s CEO, Tarryn Lokotsch, said due to the loss of funds the organisation officially had to let go of 21 employees. The staff members working at the shelters are currently volunteering. All the other staff members who are still working are doing so on reduced salaries. The loss of funding has also left GRIP’s five hospital trauma care rooms in the province without financial support.

After GRIP shared its situation, SPAR announced a heart-warming initiative that allows customers to contribute to GRIP by simply doing their online grocery shopping. From April 1 to June 30, SPAR will donate R5 to GRIP for every purchase made through its SPAR2U online platform. GRIP said it appreciates this initiative.

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Childline Mpumalanga offers a 24-hour toll-free helpline for children and families in crisis. It serves as a lifeline for those experiencing violence, abuse or other emergencies and receives about 35 000 calls annually.
Dr Benita Nel, the director of Childline Mpumalanga, said it has stopped its awareness and prevention services to communities across the province, although it still has social workers in Mbombela, Nkomazi, Bushbuckridge, eMalahleni, Ermelo, Volksrust, Evander and Bethal, who are working closely with the helpline team to respond to children and women in distress. Childline has had to terminate 110 employees’ contracts, while 10 other staff members have had their duties restructured and their salaries reduced.

When delivering the 2025 State of the Province Address, Premier Mandla Ndlovu said the decision by the USA to suspend and possibly terminate the support the country had been receiving to combat HIV/Aids came at a very difficult time, however, they are making plans to ensure these programmes are sustained and the people get the services they deserve. The publication followed up to find out what plans Ndlovu were referring to.
“We are making a call for funding of NGOs/CBOs to support the HIV/Aids, STI and TB organisations, to be able to implement some of the prevention, treatment and care programmes needed. Details will be communicated in due course as we start the new financial year.”

The premier’s office also referred the publication to the Mpumalanga Department of Health.

According to the  DoH spokesperson, Dumisani Malamule, the department does not have a plan to assist any specific organisations.
He said the department, however, has a plan to make a call for funding of NGOs/CBOs to support the HIV/Aids, STI and TB organisations in the implementation of some of the prevention, treatment and care programmes.