​Rofhiwa Marubini 
The Gauteng Department of Social Development will give a much-needed cash injection of R2,5 billion to Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in the current financial year.       
Tabling the department's Budget Vote speech, MEC for Social Development, Morakane Mosupyoe said NPOs play an important role in working tirelessly with the department to ensure that service delivery targets are met.
During the 2021/22, the department will create 7 210 work opportunities through Expanded Public Work Programme (EPWP).
MEC Mosupyoe said the EPWP will assist in reducing the levels of poverty for the public.
"EPWP stipend helps to reduce poverty among participants and helps in reducing the number of people living below the poverty line from 55% to 40%," said Mosupyoe.
The department has allocated a budget for the construction of new infrastructure at the of Bantu Bonke Early Childhood Development (ECD) - R13.8 million, Bekkarsdal Social Integrated Facility - R8.5 million, Khutsong Social Integrated Facility R4 million and Tembisa Inpatient Substance Abuse Centre - R3 million.
A target of over 128 000 children will access ECDs that received financial support from the department.
In addition,  the department will also ensure that over 61 000 beneficiaries affected by COVID-19 restrictions are reached and an additional 468 Cooperatives will be supported.
MEC Mosupyoe said this was the department's contribution to Tshepo One Million through youth internships, EPWP and Welfare to Work, developing youth potential and linking them to other developmental initiatives.