​The Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted an engagement with Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) at the Kagiso Archive Centre in the Western Corridor, bringing together both funded and unfunded NPOs to share information, showcase services, and explore opportunities for growth through networking and collaboration.
The primary objective of the event was to enhance the effectiveness of funded NPOs through capacity-building initiatives led by Community Development Practitioners (CDPs). These efforts included structured feedback sessions, mentorship, and ongoing support aimed at improving compliance, accountability, and sustainability.
In 2023, the Western Corridor facilitated a two-day peer learning session, where NPOs engaged in knowledge-sharing to better understand each other's strengths and explore ways to collaborate and support one another. Building on the outcomes of that session, Nomonde Mphetshwa from the Department's Sustainable Directorate emphasized the importance of continuous learning and development for NPOs. Key resolutions included:
Establishing the NPO Indaba as a platform to strengthen the work initiated in previous sessions.
Hosting quarterly meetings to track progress and assess performance improvements.
Conducting institutional visits and tours to foster mutual understanding and support.
Intensifying entrepreneurship development through business pitch sessions facilitated by beneficiaries, in collaboration with stakeholders such as the National Development Agency (NDA), Harambee, Gauteng Enterprise Propeller (GEP), Seed of Africa, Business Hub, and the Department of Labour.
 
Among the participating NPOs was Bambisandlasam, an NPO funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development, which presented its success story, highlighting how skills training and job creation contribute to sustainable economic impact. Their experience underscored the importance of compliance, governance, and strong partnerships with local businesses and schools.
The Department's Sustainable Livelihood and Youth Development Director, Mbali Ngwane, delivered a presentation on the importance of functional organisational structures. She stressed that a well-structured NPO not only clarifies roles and responsibilities but also ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, enhances governance, and improves fundraising potential.
Ngwane further quoted words of well know author Peter Drucker , "The greatest danger in times of turbulence is not the turbulence itself, but to act with yesterday's logic."
This quote summarizes the essence of the discussions at the engagement, emphasizing the need for agility, innovation, and adaptability. NPOs must move beyond outdated strategies and embrace new approaches to remain compliant, sustainable, and impactful in an ever-changing landscape.
By prioritizing compliance and capacity-building, NPOs can continue to play a vital role in driving social and economic change, ensuring they meet both regulatory standards and the needs of the communities they serve.