R176m budgeted for NPOs in Limpopo

Pretoria - An amount of R176 million has been allocated to the Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) rendering social welfare services to communities in Limpopo.

Limpopo MEC for Health and Social Development, Miriam Segabutla said the department plans to fund 1 883 NPOs including home community based care, drop-in-centres and Early Childhood Development Centres (ECD) in the 2010/2011 financial year.

"Infrastructure projects are budgeted at R75 million and this budget will cover three additional community based rehabilitation centres, two drop-in centres, staff accommodation, one treatment centre and one reform school," Segabutla said during her Budget Speech on Tuesday.

The number of children receiving services in drop-in-centres has increased from 4 900 in 2004 to 32 314 in 2008 and expected to increase to 49 914 for the 2010/2011 financial year.

"HIV and AIDS have left many children orphaned and destitute, the department will increase the number of families provided with food parcels from 7 200 to 12 000 families," the MEC said.

The budget for ECD has also been increased from R82 million to R83 million.