Minister Lindiwe Zulu Applauded the Role of NGOs on World NGO Day
A Voice of Government Recognition for World NGO Day
During a previous World NGO Day celebration, South Africa’s Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, issued a public statement acknowledging the vital contribution of NGOs to the country’s social progress. The message, released through the National Department of Social Development, emphasized how government and civil society share responsibility in building a more inclusive and just society. The original statement remains available on the Department’s official website.
Minister Zulu expressed appreciation for NGOs working daily in communities across the country. She spoke about how their commitment became even more visible during the COVID-19 pandemic, describing it as a moment that demonstrated what could be achieved when government and civil society worked side by side.
In her words:
“On World NGO Day, I thank all local NGOs as key partners of Government… ensuring no one is left behind.”
— Minister Lindiwe Zulu
She also addressed the role NGOs played in supporting national rapid-response efforts during floods and electricity disruptions, reinforcing their importance in both emergency relief and long-term development.
A Dynamic Civil Society Sector
Minister Zulu also highlighted the strength and scale of South Africa’s NGO landscape. With more than 270,000 organizations registered and nearly a million people employed within the sector, civil society has become one of the country’s most significant forces for social change. Government funding between 2019 and 2023 reached 7 billion rand, supporting tens of thousands of organizations delivering essential services nationwide.
These figures underscored the sector’s central role in achieving long-term national goals, including the National Development Plan and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Commitment to Transparency and Good Governance
Regulatory improvements were another key point in Minister Zulu’s message. She referred to amendments to the Non-Profit Organisations Act and invited the public to review newly published NPO Regulations, part of efforts to strengthen accountability across the sector.
Organizations were encouraged to keep their compliance records updated and submit annual reports as required by law. As the Minister stated:
“All registered NGOs must maintain adequate standards of governance, transparency, and public accountability through annual reporting.”
— Minister Lindiwe Zulu
For NGOs wishing to verify their registration status, the Department provides an online tool accessible at:
http://www.npo.gov.za