NGOs take on government in test case
Welfare organisations and the Free State provincial government are preparing for a court battle this week that will be eagerly watched by NGOs across the country, notes a Volksblad report says.
The organisations, represented by Jeremy Gauntlett SC, are demanding more government financial support in the Free State High Court. Several people in the care of the organisations are allegedly cared for on behalf of the state, but the organisations claim it is impossible to provide basic food on the allowances paid by the government. The MEC, national Minister and other respondents are to ask the court to postpone the matter indefinitely. They also request extensive details and supporting documentation such as letters, receipts and minutes over a five-year period from each of the 92 NGOs. In a second application to be heard on Thursday, the organisations are seeking an interim order for increased subsidies. Some of them will have to close their doors if this application fails, the report says. Full Volksblad report