Western Cape Department of Social Development’s Winter Readiness Plan in place

Every year, harsh weather conditions expose vulnerable groups living in informal settlements, remote rural locations, or on the streets to greater risk.

To support and protect our most vulnerable residents, the Western Cape Government will be implementing plans ahead of the winter season to ensure the appropriate mitigation measures are in place should disasters occur.

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is one of the departments within the provincial government that has been working tirelessly to ensure its winter readiness programmes are operational in each region across the province.

“This time of the year, we see an increased demand for humanitarian and psychosocial support services among vulnerable communities. The department works closely with other government agencies and NGOs that provide humanitarian relief. We have seen time and time again how a coordinated and collaborative response is the most effective way to mitigate the impact of weather-related disasters on vulnerable groups,” says Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

The Department’s plan includes:

• The provision of psycho-social support services;
• Assessments and referrals to SASSA for social relief of distress assistance;
• Sharing information on available bed space at the 24 funded shelters for winter occupation;
• Providing food relief or linking indigent households to food relief opportunities through the funded and/or non-funded partners of the department.

Residents are also encouraged to assist vulnerable individuals this winter through volunteering or donating to registered NGOs in the province who provide humanitarian relief.

Information about the Department’s other services can be obtained by visiting any of our local offices, by contacting the DSD hotline 0800 220 250, or by visiting https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development.