DSD-Health Foundation agreement a step towards more resilient NGOS
On 28 January 2025, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with The Health Foundation South Africa, a non-profit company.
The MOA is the first step towards realising one of Western Cape Minister Jaco Londt’s ministerial priorities: to implement a model that can strengthen support for well-functioning, registered non-profit organisations (NPOs). This initiative, called the Cape Care Fund, will be launched later this year.
NPOs in South Africa and the Western Cape are facing the combined impact of static or reduced government transfers and donor funding in the wake of South Africa’s post-Covid-19 economic downturn. Many funders, including government, have faced reduced income and have had to reduce or even cease funding NPOs altogether.
During the last three financial years (2022/23 – 2024/25), NPOs across various sectors in the Western Cape have had to close their doors due to budget shortfalls, including:
- 12 NPO child protection branches rendering statutory services
- 3 Homes for Older Persons
- 18 community centres for older persons
- 4 NPO-run Child and Youth Care Centres
NPOs like these play an essential role alongside the state in promoting the wellbeing of our communities, especially those operating in the social development sector. Minister Londt has, therefore, asked the Department of Social Development to do everything possible to strengthen support to this vital sector.
The Health Foundation South Africa has been empowered – through the MOA – to assist the Department in getting the Cape Care Fund off the ground, by serving as the administrator of the initiative. It seeks to link donors to registered NPOs with a proven track record for delivering effective social services.
“Together, we have the chance to address some of the most pressing challenges our communities face. By working together, we can scale programmes, share resources, and extend our reach to those who need it most. Together, we can uplift individuals and families, equipping them with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to thrive,” says the Health Foundation South Africa’s CEO, Harry Grainger.
Minister Londt says he is excited to see the Cape Care Fund evolve over the next few months.
“Lots of hard work has gone into this project, keeping residents of this province top of mind. Vulnerable residents especially, like the elderly, people with disabilities, and orphaned children, rely on the organisations funded by the Department. DSD supports over 1000 organisations in various spaces, like child protection, disability, victim empowerment, etc. But fiscal constraints have hampered many of these organisations. This is why we are creating the Cape Care Fund,” says Minister Londt.
Premier Alan Winde also attended the signing and delivered the keynote address.
“Our government deeply values partnerships like this as we can achieve so much through collaboration into driving economic growth and job creation. The Cape Care Fund is but one example of partnerships and innovation merging to offer support to the most vulnerable in our province. Empowering and enabling our social development partners is critical to catching those who fall through the cracks of society and working together to lift them so they can realise their potential to become part of our growing province. I applaud our Department of Social Development and the Health Foundation for moving forward with purpose in establishing this fund and I am looking forward to see how this new model succeeds,” says Premier Winde.
Link to photos: http://filegooi.co.za/get2/42cb4f52d336f1470d835be46295db7c/DSD+-+THF+photos.zip
Media Enquiries
Esther Lewis
Head of Communications
Department of Social Development
Email: Esther.Lewis@westerncape.gov.za