Over the past year, the Gauteng Forum and the provincial Department of Social Development (DoSD) have developed a good working relationship. This has not been an easy task and there are still times when there is much disagreement between the groups which is a good sign that civil society and government can work together and still disagree. Dialogue is a key determinant in policy and social change and as long as there remains poverty and underdevelopment, there will be opportunities for collaboration between civil society and government.

Just last week, the Forum was invited to ask its members to help comment on the Draft IDPs for various regions in the province and in another example of the good working relationship, we have been asked to assist again.

This time, the Gauteng Forum has been asked by the provincial Department of Social Development, to help locate unregistered homes for older people in Gauteng. The nature of such homes and facilities are such that they are not currently captured on any of the government databases. The Gauteng DoSD has specific funding to enable these services to upgrade to the extent that they will qualify for registration and thus also for subsidy.

If you know of any such facility, please send details to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , the contractor who is assisting the Department with this project, or fax mail: 086 670 9687, or fax: 011 674 2823.

Please also copy the This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

This is a great opportunity for emerging CBOs as it allow them to enjoy the benefits of support for their work from the state.

Jackie Loffell, Gauteng Forum Coordinator

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