The Gauteng Department of Social Development recently held a handover ceremony to accredit local non-profit organisations (NPOs) with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), affirming partnerships to assist communities in the capital city.

The handover took place at Compassion Church in the Pretoria city centre on April 8.

The department is hopeful that the year-long collaboration between them and the NPO sector will improve service delivery to the vulnerable.

Newly appointed MEC for the Provincial Social Development Department, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, said it is an honour that various organisations are willing to come on board in achieving the government’s mandate, as tangible progression can only be achieved through collaboration.

“Government alone cannot succeed in delivering services to our people. It is through strong partnerships with organisations such as yours that we are able to make a meaningful impact and change lives. Through the programme funded by the department, we are able to create a footprint that ensures services reach those who need them the most,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

The MEC commended the NPO sector for its continued dedication to community development, asserting that its programmes enable the government to extend its reach to the ones who are most in need.

She once again emphasised the need for stronger bonds between the government and the sector, and encouraged the organisations to form constructive working relationships.

“Many of you are not new to the progress of signing SLAs, but it is always important to remind ourselves that these agreements are not merely documents that we sign and file away. They represent a shared commitment between the government and your organisation to serve our people and improve lives,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

She said the department will continue to provide oversight and support to ensure that the objectives of SLAs are achieved.

“Monitoring and reporting are therefore not meant to burden you but rather to help with tracking progress and strengthening accountability. The trust that communities place on you and on us must never be taken for granted,” she said.

In a bid to further strengthen governmental support, the MEC indicated plans to facilitate linkages between NPOs and local clinics to improve access to healthcare for beneficiaries.

NPO representatives in attendance on the day expressed their gratitude and optimism over the agreements, hoping that they’ll foster growth and change for their beneficiaries.

Nkomo-Ralehoko took over as MEC for the department at the beginning of the month and said that 100 days are crucial in meeting set targets and delivering services.

Harold Msiza from Saint John Old Age Home in Winterveldt said the agreement would enable them to continue assisting the elderly beneficiaries they look after. Alice Matyatini from Holy Cross Home said the SLA gave the home a renewed sense of confidence as they go about serving their beneficiaries.

The SLA handover comes after a funding application process initiated last August, where the department called on NPOs to submit their proposals for the 2026/27 financial year by October 2025. This paved the way for the funded partnerships.

The handovers will continue in Johannesburg next and across the province.

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