The Social Development Ministry says the registration process for Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) does not constitute an endorsement or mark of approval from the Ministry itself.

In a statement it says registration with the Ministry is for the sole purpose of recording the organisation’s existence and inclusion in the NGO database.

As such, it says registration does not endorse, validate, or legitimize any organisation or its activities.

It also clarified that the Ministry has no administrative or other operational role in NGOs.

In instances where there is collaboration with stakeholders, the Ministry says those engagements are guided by legal and industry best practices.

The statement follows the Ministry’s recent denial of any affiliation with a foundation that claimed to provide social services to the citizens.