Western Cape Department of Social Development Budget: Stepping up for vulnerable residents

On 4 April 2025 Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt tabled the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s 2025/2026 budget.

Minister Londt said, “During his State of the Province Address, Premier Alan Winde called on residents and leaders to step up to build a better Western Cape. In her tabling of the Provincial Budget last month, Finance Minister Deidre Baartman also spoke about the province stepping up to deliver for all its residents.

This is what the Western Cape Department of Social Development has continued to do, despite facing tremendous challenges such as a grim global and national economic outlook, a pandemic, and a rapid increase in demand for services amid dwindling resources. 

Despite all this, the tenacity of the management of this department and the staff working on the ground have proven time and time again to be greater than the obstacles. The department has used ingenuity, innovation, all available resources, and most importantly, partnerships, to continue delivering on its mandates. 

The department received an 8% increase in its budget allocation for 2025/2026, from R2.522 billion in the previous financial year to R2.725 billion. Thereafter it is expected to increase to R2.796 billion and R2.916 billion in 2026/2027 and 2027/2028 respectively. 

We are grateful for a provincial government that shows it truly cares for the incredible organisations that help strengthen the Department’s hand in rendering crucial social services to residents of the Western Cape. The department has received a significant increase in its transfer funding and subsidies for NGOs from R1.011 billion in 2024/2025 to R1.107 billion.”

Further highlights from the speech include:

• CHILD PROTECTION & CHILD AND YOUTH CARE: Increase of R32 million, from R370 million to R402 million in 2025/2026
• STAFF SAFETY: R15 million in additional funding to increase the safeguarding of DSD staff at facilities and offices.
• SWIMS APP: R4 million in additional funding for the further development, enhancement, and roll-out of the SWIMS App to the NGO sector.
• HUMANITARIAN & FOOD RELIEF: R1.8 million to sustain nutritional support programmes at CNDCs; R7.5 million to subsidise humanitarian relief organisations to further their operational objectives and support existing post disaster humanitarian responses.
• OLDER PERSONS: Increase from R231 million in 24/25 to R254 million in 25/26.
• DISABILITIES:  A R28 million increase, from R196 million in 24/25 to R224 million in 25/26.
• SUBSTANCE ABUSE, PREVENTION AND REHABILITATION: R8 million increase, taking the funding from R102 million in 24/25 to R110 million in 25/26.
• VICTIM EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMME: Programme receives increase of R8million, from R70 million in 24/25 to R78 million in 25/26. Also received additional funding of R4.5 million to enhance GBV support services.

Find the full budget speech here.

Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za