Social Development extends deadline for submission of annual reports of non-profit organisations due to Covid-19

Due to the 21-day lockdown and to contain the further spread of Covid-19, Minister Lindiwe Zulu has extended the deadline for the submission of non-profit organisations (NPO) annual reports to June 30 2020.

“We know that most of the NPOs are in the frontline of providing services to vulnerable individuals and communities throughout the country even in these trying times. We do not want them to worry about submitting their annual reports in the middle of this national disaster. It is for this reason that we are extending the deadline for submission of annual reports with an additional three months,” said Minister Zulu.

Section 18 (1) (a) of the NPO Act (Act No. 71 of 1997) prescribes that every registered organisation must in writing provide a narrative report of its activities in the prescribed manner together with its financial statements and the Accounting Officer’s report within 9 months after the end of its financial year. This extension applies to all organisations registered in terms of the NPO Act.

To comply with the recommended guidelines on social distancing, the department has suspended all person to person NPO services, including the NPO helpdesk and roadshows.

Minister Zulu reminds NPOs that they can use the available online platforms to submit their annual reports or for any NPO-related matters at npoinquiry@dsd.gov.za, www.npo.gov.za or alternatively call 012 312 7727.

Minister Zulu also reassures all South Africans that government is working around the clock to contain the further spread and mitigate the impact of Covid-19 on families and communities. She appealed to South Africans across the country to comply with measures government has put in place as a matter of national interest.

“We all have to play our part to contain the spread of Covid-19. We must work together to emerge stronger as a nation during these tying times. This is the time for all of us to unite and to put our national interest above our own self-interest,” added Minister Zulu.