The Gauteng Department of Social Development, West Rand Region hosted a Non-Profit Organisations (NPO's) Information Sharing Session at Chief Mogale Hall, Kagiso last Friday.
Addressing the gathering, Social Work Manager, Ikgopoleng Rankudu said, "We are here to share information about Non-Profit Organisations (NPO's) legislation and its implementation. When you register an NPO please always remember that you are not selling products but rendering a service. When rendering service, it is about people or beneficiaries and you are always governed by NPO Act 71 of 1997. There are also acts of specific service like the older persons Act 13 of 2006. Please comply with all the legislation to avoid complications".
This was echoed by her colleague NPO Financing Directorate, Deputy Director, Nono Yende said, "It is important for us to engage with you to ensure every cent is accounted for. Please submit your annual reports to comply with the provisions of the NPO Act 71 of 1997. When you have money in your account take your books to the qualified Auditor. Always verify organizations' compliance status, to update both organizational and office bearer's details in the National NPOs database".
The NPO Act came into operation on 1 September 1998. It defined a n NPO as associated term for Civil Society Organizations that ranges from: CBO, FBO and NGO. The main purpose of the Act is to create an enabling environment in which non-profit organizations can flourish. Also, to establish an administrative and regulatory framework within which the NPOs can conduct their affairs.
NPO Registration Requirements are as follows: every organization that seek to register as an NPO in terms of Section 12 and 13 of the NPO Act must seek the following documents: Constitution (Founding Document)cribbed application form that contains the organization's contact, the office bearers details and copies of their identity documents.
The NPOs must also comply with municipal acts such as environmental, town planning, safety and fire.