In a room usually used for police work, community builders came together on Tuesday 18 August to discuss a different kind of safety plan: helping the non-profit organisations residents depend on become stronger.

Thirty-five local representatives left the Mitchells Plain Safety and Development Forum (MPSDF) session with practical tools to help them become more resilient, accountable and better able to respond to the needs of Mitchells Plain.

Why the workshop was needed

The workshop, held in the Lentegeur Police Station’s main boardroom, was led by the Department of Social Development’s Institutional Capacity Building Unit, a team that helps organisations improve how they work.

It covered how organisations are run, following rules and requirements, checking that organisations are properly set up, policies and procedures, applying for funding, running programmes, monitoring work, collecting evidence and reporting.

The workshop was held because of lessons learnt during the MPSDF’s June/July holiday programme. Several local organisations had trouble with funding applications, background checks and following requirements. Others struggled with planning programmes, budgeting, keeping records, monitoring and reporting.

Building for the long term

Wendy Abrahams of Advance Educkos Foundation, who leads the MPSDF’s violence-prevention work, said the workshop was about building organisations that could handle challenges beyond a single funding cycle.

“Our aim is not simply to help organisations complete a funding application,” she said. “We want to help build NPOs that are properly governed, follow the rules, are confident and capable of delivering quality programmes over the long term. Strong organisations create stronger communities because they are better positioned to respond to local needs, protect vulnerable people and sustain their impact.”

Participants share their experience

Berenice Roman of Eden Community Outreach for New Beginnings (ECOFNB) said the workshop was a huge help for NGOs, especially those that are struggling.

She said she learnt about registering to become compliant and how to apply for funding.

“I learnt a lot. This is something that is really needed in Mitchells Plain.”

Roman founded ECOFNB, which is based in Eastridge, to strengthen families and reduce gender-based violence.

“A lot of NGOs in Mitchells Plain are doing the same thing but are divided and working in silos. But what I learned is that we need each other.”

Clovy Levendal of Still She Rise, based in Bayview, described the workshop as “fruitful”. Echoing Roman’s sentiments on compliance and funding, she said she was also interested to learn the difference between a non-profit company and a non-profit organisation, and is now in the process of applying for both statuses.

Following the rules

Special attention was given to the importance of local organisations being properly registered and keeping up the requirements needed to operate effectively and access funding.

Organisations working with children and young people were also reminded of the importance of making sure staff and volunteers have the required security checks and clearances, as set out in the Children’s Act.

The workshop made clear that following the rules is not just about getting funding. It is an important part of responsible community service, keeping people safe and being trusted as an organisation.

The training also gave organisations knowledge that can help them when seeking support from the Department of Social Development, other government departments, trusts, foundations, companies and other funders.

Understanding trauma

Participants were also encouraged to make sure their services understand trauma, recognising the impact that violence, loss and ongoing stress can have on residents, and making sure services promote safety, dignity, trust and consistent support.

Support from the minister

Provincial Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety Anroux Marais welcomed the workshop. “Strong and capable community organisations are essential to building safer, more resilient communities,” he said. “I encourage all stakeholders to support the MPSDF in its ongoing efforts to strengthen local organisations, empower communities and make Mitchells Plain a safer and more resilient place for all.”

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