GOVERNMENT FUNDING OF CIVIL SOCIETY FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT IN EKURHULENI

Abstract

The Department of Social Development developed the Monitoring and Evaluation Unit in 2007 to improve the way government and organisations implement the Public Finance Management Act and Policy on Financial Awards established in 2005 by the National Office of Social Development. The Social Workers in the Department of Social Development were previously conducting the monitoring and evaluation services, including finances of the organisations. The aim of this report is, therefore, to determine whether monitoring and evaluation of government funding of non-governmental organisations with regard to policy on the financial awards is effective or not. Secondly, it analyses the tool utilized by the Unit in the implementation of the policies to ensure that there is no mismanagement of funds, and to regulate financial management in the provincial and regional government. Furthermore, it aims to ensure that all revenue, expenditure, assets and liabilities of government are managed effectively and efficiently. Finally, it aims to establish whether service providers are implementing effective, efficient and transparent financial management and internal control systems after the Unit’s establishment by the Department of Social Development. The researcher developed questions that will assist in determining whether the monitoring and evaluation methods and tools used have made any impact since their introduction to the Department. A discussion on Monitoring and Evaluation drawing on both international and local experience is used to demonstrate development of civil societies at different levels, and how government funding is a resource in the empowerment of civil societies for development and to become self-reliant. Improving accountability in the use of government resources is one aspect of this empowerment process that the report aims to examine.