Gender-based violence (GBV) has been plaguing our country for generations. The calls have grown louder for men to play their part in addressing gender-based violence. Through the launch of a media campaign, we’re adding our voices to that call. Read More
Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, joined dozens of young people from Prince Albert, Leeu Gamka, and Klaarstroom on 28 January 2023 for a Youth Indaba hosted by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT). Read More
The Western Cape Department of Social Development allocated R62 866 000 to its Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP) in the 2022/2023 financial year, a significant increase from the R45 million that was allocated in 2019. Read More
I was hopeful yesterday’s meeting of national Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu and Members of the Executive Council (MINMEC) would provide the answers I’ve been seeking regarding issues plaguing the South African Social Security Agency (... Read More
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Sharna Fernandez welcomes the opening of the Kap 23 Youth Centre in Delft. The birthing of this facility is thanks to a partnership between NPO HOPE Cape Town and the German AIDS Foundation, which has... Read More
On 15 December 2022 I wrote to the national Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu. At the time we had received numerous complaints of Postbank-issued SASSA gold cards not working. Read More
With hotter days expected, the Western Cape Department of Social Development urges residents to be cautious, especially those living in densely populated areas where fires can spread rapidly. Read More
Over the long weekend (31 December – 02 January), revelers rang in the New Year on beaches across the Western Cape. As expected, law enforcement officers had their hands full ensuring order in these public spaces, especially where alcohol was... Read More
In many ways, 2022 has been a year of recovery: recovery from the ravaging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; from the devastating economic impact of the hard lockdowns. Read More
Although many people are winding down over the next few weeks, the Department of Social Development’s offices will be open during the festive season. There will also be staff on standby at Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to respond to emergency... Read More
It is supposed to be a time of joy and happiness, yet for many SASSA grant beneficiaries it has become a nightmare. The suspension of ATM withdrawals for SASSA beneficiaries by Postbank is unacceptable, especially just before this important time of... Read More
The Western Cape Department of Social Development recognises the critical work done by our partners in the Victim Empowerment sector, which focuses on victims of Gender-Based Violence, with R 62 866 000 allocated to the sector this financial year. Read More
The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign has been observed since 25 November, culminating in International Human Rights Day on 10 December. Read More
Disability Rights Awareness Month, which we observed throughout November, culminates in International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December. Read More
Today marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, which runs until 10 December. During this time, government and civil society collaborate to generate an increased awareness of the adverse effects... Read More
International Men’s Day is commemorated on 19 November, to celebrate the positive values men bring to the world, their families, and communities. Read More
Tershia Louw, mother to 7-year old Diondré, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was an infant, says she is still learning how to care for her special girl. Read More
“Each child with a disability needs to be accepted within their broader communities. The child must first be seen as a child, and secondly as a child with a disability,” says Eleanor Harker, a Social Worker Supervisor at the Western Cape Cerebral... Read More
As we mark the start of Disability Rights Awareness month, we call on citizens to do their part in removing the social, physical, and attitudinal barriers faced by persons with disabilities. Read More
The Western Cape Government (WCG) hosted its Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Summit today to report on the progress made in this sector, and to give civil society a platform to make inputs ahead of the Presidential Summit next month. Read More