DSD presents 2022/23 Annual Report

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) presented its 2022/23 Annual Report to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament on Friday, detailing how DSD spent their R2.356 billion budget to improve the lives of vulnerable citizens.

The report highlighted several areas where DSD experienced increases in demand for a wide range of social welfare and community development services. This comes against the backdrop of increased vulnerability to poverty, food insecurity, and unemployment, within a constrained fiscal environment.

Despite these challenges, the Department delivered on its mandate and through its commitment to good governance and achieved its 12th consecutive clean audit outcome from the Auditor-General of South Africa.

DSD delivered services through the following five programmes:  

Programme 1: Administration R230.708m

Programme 2: Social Welfare Services R1.071bn

Programme 3: Children and Families R452.193m

Programme 4: Restorative Services R486.106m

Programme 5: Development and Research R116.741m

“The DSD’s 2022/23 Annual Report is indicative of a department that is focused on providing services which enable safe and cohesive family structures and communities,” said Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

The department’s achievements include the following: 

• Psychosocial support provided to 24 388 victims of gender-based violence;
• Family preservation and support services to 19 428 families;
• Responded to 6 916 reports of child abuse and neglect;
• School-based crime prevention programmes to address risky behaviour accessed by 11 197 children;
• 1 166 clients completed in-patient treatment for substance use disorders at funded NPOs, DSD’s own centres, and child and youth care centres. Community-based treatment services accessed by 3 001 clients. In addition, 6 040 clients received early intervention services;
• Subsided 4 940 beds in old age homes, and transferred 13 119 subsidies for the provision of community-based services for older persons;
• Provided meals to 109 300 qualifying food insecure beneficiaries at 111 Community Nutrition and Development Centres, and 512 community kitchens; and
• 14 566 young people participated in programmes offered at the Youth Cafés and community-based organisations.

“We thank all DSD staff members, and NPOs who have worked alongside us, for their contribution to improving the lives of vulnerable citizens through their commitment to service delivery,” said Minister Fernandez.

The Department’s Annual Report 2022/23 can be accessed here.