Funding cuts impact outreach programmes for vulnerable groups

Funding shortages are slowing down education and outreach campaigns aimed at protecting LGBTQI+ communities, activists say, at a time when violence against sexual minorities remains a serious concern in South Africa. Advocacy group LGBTQI Recreation has raised concerns that limited government funding is affecting its ability to run awareness campaigns and community programmes designed to combat discrimination and violence. Department spokesperson Thuba Vilane said efforts are also being made to strengthen the capacity of service providers to ensure non-discrimination and inclusive service delivery.

Vilane added that partnerships with civil society organisations, remain important, although the department is operating within tight budget constraints. In the province, 145 social workers and eight supervisors have been employed through non-profit organisations to intensify GBV interventions, including support to organisations operating in the eThekwini South district. However, Vilane said the department has faced budget cuts.

“While the department remains committed to inclusive protection services through the GBVF and VEP frameworks, the current fiscal environment requires organisations to diversify their funding base,” he said. Vilane encouraged organisations to explore donor funding and alternative funding streams to strengthen sustainability and expand programmes that support LGBTQI+ communities. Activist Hlengiwe Buthelezi said the lack of financial support was troubling amid an increase in attacks and killings targeting members of the community. The Department of Social Development acknowledged the concerns and said violence against marginalised people, including hate-motivated attacks, remains a significant human rights and social protection issue.