The Department of Social Development has called on non-profit organizations (NPOs) to comply with registration requirements after deregistering more than 6,200 NPOs for failing to meet necessary obligations.
The department has warned that over 200,000 organizations, including NPOs, voluntary associations, and trusts, risk deregistration for not submitting annual reports as mandated by the NPO Act.
Mpho Mngxitama, Acting Deputy Director-General of Welfare Services, stated that non-compliant organizations will lose critical privileges, such as tax exemptions, government funding, and support.
Mngxitama emphasized the importance of NPO registration, explaining, "Being registered means that an organization is legally recognized, and it assures those who engage with it that it is accountable and transparent. NPOs rely on public funds, and it's vital that these funds are used for their intended purposes to maintain trust and belief in their operations."