The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has highlighted a year of “innovation, accountability, and tangible impact” after presenting its 2024/25 Annual Report to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament.

Managing a budget of R2.52 billion, the department says it successfully expanded social welfare services to vulnerable communities while maintaining a clean audit opinion for the 14th consecutive year.

According to the report, more than R1 billion of the total budget was transferred to non-profit and non-governmental organisations to extend services to people in need. The department said this reflects the crucial role of its partners in social service delivery.

“The services provided by our partners to care for the vulnerable are invaluable and we thank them for the critical work they help us do,” the department said.

Western Cape Social Development Minister Jaco Londt commended officials and frontline workers for their commitment in the face of rising social challenges.

“Despite tough economic conditions and rising social challenges, our department continues to deliver with compassion, competence, and integrity. This year’s results show that by working together, government, civil society, and communities, we can build a more inclusive and caring Western Cape,” said Londt.

The report outlines a wide reach of services funded by the R2.52 billion budget. In child protection, 12 398 at-risk children received support through developmental programmes such as Risiha sites and drop-in centres, while 3 464 parents and caregivers completed family strengthening programmes.

By the end of March 2025, there were 42 699 active foster care cases in the province, with 3 018 children entering the foster care system during the reporting year.

The fight against gender-based violence (GBV) remained a priority, with over 24 000 GBV survivors receiving psychosocial support.

In addition, 2 042 women and children found refuge in funded shelters, and 207 new GBV Ambassadors were trained and deployed across 14 communities to support prevention and awareness programmes.

Services for older persons were strengthened with the registration of 11 new residential care facilities, bringing the total to 221 across the province. A total of 168 care workers received training on frail care standards to improve the quality of dignity-focused care.

For persons with disabilities, 99 staff members and NPO representatives underwent training on the Handbook for Adult Daycare Centre Programmes. Additionally, 339 people with intellectual disabilities received trauma counselling through a partnership with Cape Mental Health’s Sexual Abuse Victim Empowerment Programme.

The department reported that food insecurity remains a growing concern in the province. Community Nutrition and Development Centres provided daily meals and life-skills programmes to more than 22 000 vulnerable residents. 

The department also continued its investment in youth development through community-based initiatives. A total of 14 856 young people who are not in employment, education or training benefited from skills development and mentorship through Youth Cafés and partner organisations.

The department said the clean audit outcome from the Auditor-General of South Africa for the 14th consecutive year demonstrated its commitment to transparent and responsible financial management. Londt added that the department would continue to prioritise accountability while seeking innovative ways to reach more communities in need.

Londt said the department had also found ways to stretch its resources and improve service delivery amid what he described as ongoing funding pressures from national government.

“While the Western Cape Government continues fighting for its fair share of the national budget, our department has found various ways to become more resilient,” Londt said.

“This has been done through the introduction of innovations like the Social Work Integrated Management System application (SWIMS app), and the launch of three mobile offices which led to 447 residents living in rural areas receiving essential social services.”

IOL News

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