DSD and partners caring for the vulnerable during winter
During this time of the year, the Western Cape is usually battered by adverse weather conditions, many of which have a particularly devastating impact on vulnerable residents like those living in informal settlements and on the streets.
In the event of a disaster such as flooding, the Western Cape Government has a multi-departmental and multi-sectoral approach to mitigate and manage the impact on residents.
This approach includes the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) which steps in to provide humanitarian relief in partnership with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO).
Subject to the finalisation and approval of the allocation process, the department will allocate R7.5 million in funding for the 2025/2026 financial year, in response to the growing need for relief efforts.
From 25 June to this week, flooding in different parts of the province affected over 30 000 residents.
Various organisations, among them DSD-funded ones, assisted provincial and local government by providing immediate relief to indigent households negatively impacted by these incidents. This includes:
- Warm meals
- Food parcels
- Hygiene packs
- Blankets
- Clothing
- Baby items
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt visited one of the largest DSD-supported organisations, Mustadafin Foundation, on 10 July 2025.
Minister Londt said, “Disaster relief efforts in the province work due to the combined efforts of the Western Cape Government, municipalities, businesses, kind-hearted volunteers, the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA), and NGOs. Organisations like Mustadafin Foundation do exceptional work in providing immediate relief to vulnerable residents, not only when disasters hit, but throughout the year. We are thankful to work with such incredible organisations that strengthen social services by caring for and supporting those in need.”
He added, “I encourage businesses and residents who can, to please support these organisations, by contacting DSD or working through the Cape Care Fund. Through the Cape Care Fund, you can make a meaningful contribution this winter by lending support to credible organisations that are a lifeline for many indigent households.”
Other ways DSD supports vulnerable residents:
DSD also funds 54 Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) that manage 102 Community Nutritional Development Centres and 16 Community kitchens. These institutions provide food for more than 18000 beneficiaries per month.
Furthermore, for the 2025/2026 financial year, the department allocated R31 million to fund 37 NPO-run shelters for homeless adults across the province. Through this funding, DSD subsidizes 2,398 shelter bed spaces per year. These bed spaces have the capacity to support up to 6,000 individuals annually, as beds are reallocated to new clients when others exit the shelter system.
These shelters provide a range of essential short-term services to homeless adults, which include:
- Temporary accommodation to ensure immediate safety and protection from the elements;
- Screenings, assessments, and referrals to identify client needs and facilitate appropriate interventions;
- Social work and development services, such as individual counselling, case work, group work, and referral and support services;
- Development of personal development plans for each client to guide their journey towards self-reliance and reintegration;
- Skills development programmes, including gardening, recycling, job readiness initiatives, and other income-generating activities;
- Education and awareness-raising programmes to empower clients with knowledge and life skills; and
- Family reunification and reintegration services to facilitate the reintegration of clients back into their families and communities wherever possible.
In addition, social workers from DSD’s local offices continue to play a vital role by providing psychosocial support to homeless individuals.
For more information about the Department’s services, please call our toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development local office, or visit https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development.
To learn more about how you can assist humanitarian relief organisations or those in the homeless sector through the Cape Care Fund, please visit: https://capecarefund.org.za/social-sector-projects/
Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
E-mail: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za