SayProCDR – DSD Onsite Visit Meeting Minutes

Date: 11 March 2026
Venue: Diepsloot Youth Project Centre
Minutes Taken By: Shihangu

1. Attendance

• Ms Tifo
• Mr Lekholayo
• Ms Shihangu
• Ms Ralepelle
• Mr Motapina

2. Purpose of the Meeting

The meeting was held following an onsite visit from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) to review contractual compliance, programme implementation, and operational matters at the centre.

3. Key Discussion Points

3.1 Branding and Logo

• The DSD officials asked about the recent change to the organisation’s logo.
• They requested clarification regarding the meaning of the current logo.
• DSD noted that the Department of Social Development logo is not included in the organisation’s branding.
• DSD instructed that the branding must be revised to include the DSD logo.
• The updated branding must be completed before the end of March 2026.
• Failure to comply may affect DSD’s recommendation for funding for the 2026–2027 financial year.

3.2 Training Programmes

• DSD requested clarification on how face-to-face training sessions are conducted.
• Mr Motapina explained the training structure:
  • The Life Skills programme runs for approximately 1–2 weeks.
  • After completing Life Skills, students may proceed to Computer Training.
  • Students are not allowed to enroll in more than two courses simultaneously.

3.3 Student Participation

• DSD questioned the status of the 73 students who previously attended Life Skills training.
• They indicated that the Diepsloot Youth Project previously had a higher number of Life Skills participants who did not proceed to Computer Training.
• Mr Motapina explained:
  • Classes run from 09:00 to 15:00.
  • Students are divided into different course groups.
  • There is no waiting period for first-time students to enroll in courses.

3.4 Computer Laboratory Concerns

DSD raised several concerns regarding the computer lab:

• The computer lab is too small to accommodate the number of students.
• The room does not have windows, resulting in limited fresh air.
• Students often wait for the facilitator to complete another class before receiving assistance.
• The facilitator is overloaded with work, and there is no assistant facilitator available.

3.5 Governance and Board Presence

• DSD asked why board members are frequently present at the centre but do not interact with visitors.
• They also questioned whether the Diepsloot Youth Project is an organisation or a church, noting that singing often takes place at the centre.
• DSD further questioned why the board had not identified issues with classroom operations and branding.

Response:

• Ms Ralepelle explained that the board members serve as overseers of the organisation and are present to receive reports and monitor activities.

4. Infrastructure and Operational Requirements from DSD

DSD instructed the organisation to address the following issues:

• Renovation of the computer lab to improve space and ventilation.
• Improvements must be implemented before the end of March 2026.
• The organisation must develop a corrective action plan outlining how all identified issues will be resolved.
• The centre requires additional space, including:
  • Classrooms
  • Offices
  • A boardroom

5. Staffing Requirements

• DSD advised that the organisation should appoint two facilitators for the skills programmes to reduce workload.
• Newly promoted or appointed staff members should be responsible for conducting interviews.

6. Action Items

Action	Responsible	Deadline
Revise branding to include DSD logo	Management	End of March 2026
Renovate computer lab (space and ventilation)	Management	End of March 2026
Develop improvement plan addressing DSD concerns	Management	End of March 2026
Review staffing and appoint additional facilitator	Management	To be determined
Review organisational space requirements	Board & Management	To be determined

7. Closing

The meeting concluded with the understanding that the organisation must address all issues raised by DSD and submit a clear plan for improvements before the end of March 2026.

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