The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and the Health Foundation of South Africa joined forces on 6 June to establish the Cape Care Fund, a new initiative designed to support struggling non-profit organisations (NPOs) and NGOs in the social services sector.
According to the Department of Social Development, the fund aims to address severe budget shortfalls that have forced numerous critical organisations to shut down in recent years, making it a lifeline for vulnerable communities.
This comes after South Africa’s economy declined over the years, worsened by post-pandemic challenges, which have led to drastic cuts in government and donor funding. Over the past three years, 12 child protection branches, 3 homes for older persons, 18 community centres for the elderly, and 4 child and youth care centres in the Western Cape have closed due to financial strain. These organisations provide essential services that complement government efforts in supporting vulnerable groups.
Western Cape Social Development Minister Jaco Londt stressed the urgency of supporting these NGOs: ‘We must move them from surviving to thriving for the sake of our most at-risk residents.’
Meanwhile, the Health Foundation’s CEO, Harry Grainger, highlighted the fund’s role in fostering economic resilience through innovative financing and collaboration.
Key figures at the launch, including Premier Alan Winde, Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Infrastructure Minister Tertuis Simmers, emphasised the importance of public-private partnerships.
Minister Simmers announced plans to encourage contractors to contribute to the fund as part of their corporate social responsibility efforts.
‘With the developers or contractors, or subcontractors that we enter into business with, we will make sure to promote the Cape Care Fund and urge these stakeholders, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility, to invest in the well-being of our vulnerable residents and make a meaningful impact that goes beyond Infrastructure’, he stated.
Meanwhile, Mayor Hill-Lewis praised NGOs as important partners in combating poverty and urged donors to support the initiative, saying:
‘It is of the utmost importance that they can continue with their work despite tightening budgets and shrinking funding. The Cape Care Fund will play a vital role in ensuring that donor money is safeguarded and directed towards the areas of greatest need, and we are grateful to the Western Cape Government, The Health Foundation, and everyone else who played a part in getting this fund off the ground.’
The Cape Care Fund represents a critical step toward safeguarding essential social services, ensuring that vulnerable communities continue to receive the support they need. Businesses and individuals are encouraged to contribute to this vital cause.
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Picture: Department of Social Development
