The Portfolio Committee requested a briefing on the ongoing NDA Turnaround Strategy and how NDA is addressing women skills development in South Africa including victims of gender-based violence (GBV) as far as women and children are transitioned from places of safety into their communities.

Under the auspices of the Criminal Asset Recovery Account (CARA), the NDA was able to provide grant funding to support 312 civil society organisations (CSOs) to the tune of R86,7 million to implement programmes that reached 7000 women.

“The funds disbursed to CSOs focused on protection and skills development interventions which empowered women to escape domestic violence but also further empowered them to escape the scourge of poverty as they engaged in meaningful economic activities for the benefit of their children as well. We focused capacity building skills programme on baking, sewing, agriculture, and arts and crafts which are skills that can be started and activated from home” says Mr Thabani Buthelezi, NDA Acting Chief Executive Officer.

Furthermore, the NDA strategy is deliberate to advance women empowerment through funded CSOs and targeted community-based interventions. Women are economically marginalised and are presented with unequal participation opportunities, both key drivers of poverty. Buthelezi further reassured the Committee on the NDA’s recognition of women as change drivers of poverty and that grant funding and capacity building will continue incrementally to be geared towards CSOs that focus on women empowerment.

The NDA has, in the 5 years, funded R60 265 621,00 to 287 CSO across the country, benefitting 20 655 women. NDA grant funding provides seed funding that allows CSOs to attract further investment for other funders, provides safety net for vulnerable households, assists CSOs to increase the asset base and for trained participants attract employment opportunities. Children, youth, persons with disabilities and men affected by poverty are all beneficiaries of the NDA.

Whilst challenges remain a hinderance, the NDA is hard at work to seek solutions to strengthen resource mobilisation efforts to garner additional funds, institutionalise the district development model by all parties to enhance partnerships and collaborations. This also includes linking stronger CSOs to emerging ones for skills transfer and mentorship opportunities.

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Issued by the National Development Agency

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lesego Ranchu on 073 547 2800 or lesegor@nda.org.za