The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has committed R1.138 billion in transfer funding for the 2025/2026 financial year to support non-governmental organisations (NGOs) across the province. This funding coincides with World NGO Day and aims to strengthen services in areas such as child protection, substance use disorder support, victim empowerment, gender-based violence prevention, older persons’ programmes, disability support, youth development, and humanitarian food relief.
Western Cape MEC of Social Development Jaco Londt emphasized the critical role of NGOs and non-profit organisations (NPOs) in extending the department’s reach to vulnerable communities. He noted that partnerships with these organisations allow government services to reach residents who might otherwise be inaccessible, enhancing the overall impact of social development initiatives across the province.
During visits to several DSD-funded organisations in the Garden Route, Londt highlighted how NGOs complement government efforts. Amy Kearns from the Creative Community Development Project explained that NGOs often reach vulnerable populations, such as the elderly, providing meals, self-care, and awareness programmes that alleviate pressure on government resources. Roslynn Damons of the Seven Passes Initiative added that community-based organisations embedded in rural areas have stronger, trust-based relationships with local families, allowing them to identify and support at-risk households more effectively.
The province has also established the Cape Care Fund in collaboration with The Health Foundation South Africa, which has mobilised R400,000 in six months to support vetted organisations serving vulnerable residents. This combined effort demonstrates the importance of public-private partnerships in expanding social services and reaching underserved communities throughout the Western Cape.
