National Lotteries Commission capacity building workshop conducted in collaboration with SARS

Story: Samkelo Fetile | Photo: Samkelo Fetile

Recently, in Maletswai at Joe Slovo Hall, a capacity building workshop was conducted with not-for-profit organisations to address compliance-related matters and prepare them for the upcoming funding window. The National Lotteries Commission (NLC) facilitated this workshop, focusing on Charities, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Sport, and Recreation sectors.

The workshop aimed to educate organisations on the requirements for accessing NLC funding and compliance needs from the South African Revenue Services (SARS), the Department of Social Development (DSD), and other relevant departments. This initiative, a collaboration between the Local Economic Development (LED) Office and the Special Programmes Unit (SPU), was supported by SARS.

Cllr Zoleka Betane, ward councilor in Ward 8, opened the session and welcomed all attendees. In her opening remarks, she highlighted the significant challenges charity organisations face in accessing funding. She emphasized the importance of the NLC's presence in the area, stating, "The burden on charity organisations and the challenges they experience to access funding are immense. Therefore, we welcome the NLC in our area to ensure these organisations meet the requirements to secure the much-needed financial assistance."

Following Cllr Betane's remarks, the NLC conducted a presentation on the various funding categories, followed by a question and answer session. SARS provided a brief presentation and announced that they would be available after the workshop to assist clients with specific issues.

The workshop concluded with the announcement that the NLC will soon introduce a portal for organisations to register their profiles and submit funding applications, as manual applications will no longer be accepted. Additionally, the NLC plans to set a date for a roadshow to establish a helpdesk for all clients.