The financial operations of CWSA take place within legislative frameworks regulating the NPO sector and are set out in: the National Welfare Act (Act 100 of 1978), the Non Profit Organisations Act (NPO) and CWSA’s registration as a public benefit organisation. Financial compliance is required in respect to adherence of generally acceptable accounting practices and the submission of audited financial statements and reports at regular intervals.

In addition, CWSA is required to comply with the provisions of its own Constitution in relation to financial matters and in this regard, benefits from the expertise of a national finance committee that oversees financial matters.

Operationally, qualified staff head up and regulate the national finance and administration department of CWSA (a financial director and chief operations officer) and our systems of accountability for donor funds assure compliance with donor requirements.

To assist member organizations, CWSA continues to update financial policies and procedures, outline administrative policies, and compiles finance manuals

The increased demand for the CWSA national HIV and AIDS and child protection programmes has seen provincial financial and accounting systems installed and being managed by provincial bookkeepers.

Strategies used to assist member societies in financial management, particularly in outlying districts, include:

• Clustering - the bringing together of member organizations to share financial expertise.

• Group access to the services and advice of a financial manager/booker.

• The pro bono services of bankers and auditors for training in financial management.