Western Cape DSD facility for disabled Persons on track with upgrades

To celebrate the start of Disability Rights Awareness Month observed between 03 November and 03 December annually, Western Cape Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez visited Sivuyile Residential Facility in Stikland.

This 110-bed facility, which is run by the Western Cape Department of Social Development (WCDSD), accommodates children and adults with severe and profound, physical, and intellectual disabilities, such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, behaviour challenges and psychiatric disorders.

Renovations – which commenced in September – are currently underway.

The upgrades will result in three multi-purpose areas for Sivuyile residents; two additional outside spaces; increased storage space; additional workspace for staff; and vital maintenance in and around the building.

Sivuyile’s centre manager, Simoné Smith, says once the upgrades are complete, they are hoping to expand various programs: “With the new multipurpose areas, we can introduce more therapeutic and recreational programs for the residents, like art and music programs. We also wish to increase our footprint in communities by encouraging people to bring their loved ones with disabilities to daycare once the upgrades are complete. We’re very excited to help create a community and a space for those with disabilities.”

“When I visited Sivuyile last year, staff told me how much they need these upgrades, so I am pleased to see Sivuyile getting the necessary renovations it needs,” says Minister Fernandez.

“We are a caring government that believes persons with disabilities deserve the very best care, and that is what they are getting at Sivuyile. Thank you to all those professionals, within the Department and partner NPOs, who have dedicated their lives to ensuring the well-being of persons with disabilities, we need more people like you!”

The Department, in partnership with NPOs, provides various support services to persons with disabilities, including:

• Disability awareness and educational programmes;
• Developmental supportive and therapeutic services (social work interventions): counselling, support group programmes;
• Daycare programmes for adults and children with disabilities;
• Support programmes for families/caregivers; and
• Protective workshops services and residential care services.

These services aim to promote the well-being, empowerment, dignity, protection, and rights of Persons with Disabilities. R164 million has been allocated to support the NPOs.

The Department has also allocated R30 million to four Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCCs) for children with profound disabilities in alternative care.

To access more information about services offered by the Department, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za  or visit the department’s website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development