NPO says SA’s removal from FATF greylist helps access to funding


Cape Town-based non-profit organisation Inyathelo has welcomed the Financial Action Task Force’s (FAFT) decision to remove South Africa from its greylist.

The NGO’s Acting Executive Director, Feryal Domingo, says the move is a major milestone that restores confidence in the country’s financial systems.

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She says it’s especially good news for the non-profit sector that depends on trust and access to international funding.

Domingo says during the greylisting period, many NPOs struggled to raise funds, faced reputational damage and even had bank accounts closed due to strict regulations.

She says the delisting is expected to reduce create a more supportive funding environment for civil society.

“We must however not lose momentum and continue our efforts to stay off the greylist. Now more than ever, South Africa should focus on addressing Recommendation 8 which is concerned with protecting NPOs from being misused for terrorist financing, requiring countries to review their NPO laws and implement risk-based proportionate measures to protect vulnerable organisations without disrupting legitimate activities,” adds Domingo.

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