Trade union Solidarity has submitted a legal letter to Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi insisting that his decision to cut funding to non-governmental organisations (NGOs) be withdrawn.

The trade union has highlighted the negative consequences of this plan as a number of NGO’s were compelled to retrench their staff, resulting in many social workers being unemployed.

Solidarity has appealed to the Gauteng provincial government to set out in writing its intention to disburse funds as soon as possible and restore funding as a whole. 

“Our letter wants to ensure safety in the social services profession and offer the neediest people among us the protection they cannot get from the department,” said Solidarity Network Coordinator Bianca Smit.