The cash-strapped Johannesburg Institute of Social Services (JISS) has been forced to cut back on its aid, especially to senior citizens.

The 70-year-old organisation has a R3.2-million funds shortfall after the provincial welfare department reduced its subsidy.

As a result, it has had to retrench staff and review its operations. So far, the hardest-hit unit has been the service centre for the aged, which provides subsi- dised meals and renders social services to the elderly. Jiss chairman Essop Bhana said the organisation depended on public donations and state grants and subsidies to make ends meet.

These funds were supplemented by fundraising events, which had become difficult to organise."It has become more and more difficult for ordinary, well-meaning people to dig into their pockets, and the state has not been able to support us to the extent that it was doing in the past," said Bhana. He said that JISS had not been able to make up for the financial shortfall, despite diligent efforts to do so.

It had been forced to cut staff and operations to avoid closure of the institute.
"It has been operating on a financial deficit and accumulating debt."This week the community rallied behind the organisation by setting up meetings with religious groups. MP Ismail Vadi said the community was concerned and wanted to save key services such as the transportation of senior citizens to collect their pensions and for clinic visits and outings.

"Organisations are concerned about the discontinuation of services and are looking at possibly taking on some of the services offered by JISS," said Vadi.
Ranie Rampersadh, chairperson of Women for Peace, said they were discussing ways assisting JISS.

"I have been involved with JISS as a volunteer for over 22 years, and while we also struggle as an NGO, we will help in whatever way we can," said Rampersadh."Where finances permit, we will for example try and provide tea and meals."