DSD boosts support for NGOS in Disability Sector

On 25 July 2025, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) handed over 10 specially adapted vehicles to several NGOs working in the disability sector. These are organisations funded by the department.

The modified vehicles will ensure that children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities have affordable access to quality basic education.

The organisations are spread across the province, providing a range of support services for children and their families:

• Oasis Association (Claremont)
• Cape Mental Health: Imizamayethu (Khayelitsha)
• Cape Mental Health: Erica (Mitchells Plain)
• Autism Connect (Strandfontein)
• Siyabonga (Vredenburg)
• Courage to Care (Strand)
• Breede Valley Association of and for Persons with Disabilities – Umnenge Special Care Centre (De Doorns)
• ACVV Robertson: Trippel Toontjies Playschool for Disabled Children (Robertson)
• Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Oudtshoorn – Sonskyn Day Care Centre (Oudtshoorn)
• Emmanuel Day Care Centre (Atlantis)

Carley Delport, a social worker from APD Oudtshoorn said, “The bus means the world to us, especially since we work in the rural areas around Oudtshoorn. We pick up children from every corner, so it will mean the world to us to be more accessible in doing this work on a daily basis. Thank you very much!”

The department worked with the Western Cape Mobility Department on this project.

Provincial Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku said, “When we design transport systems with our most vulnerable in mind, we create a more caring and inclusive society for everyone. This partnership with the Department of Social Development is about more than just moving people — it is about restoring dignity, opening doors to opportunity, and making sure that no one is left behind, no matter their circumstances or abilities.”

During the handover ceremony in Maitland, provincial Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt announced that DSD is also providing the organisations with a transport subsidy, funding for carers and for the appointment of a Programme Implementer to assist with educational needs along with the provincial Departments of Education, and Health and Wellness.

Minister Londt said, “As a Western Cape Government, we have worked hard over the years to meet our responsibility to ensure organisations that provide education for children with severe and profound disabilities are equipped with the necessary resources to continue their work. Today’s handover is a testament to the power of partnerships, because we could not have done this without the Western Cape Departments of Mobility, Education, and Health and Wellness.”

He added, “These vehicles are lifelines for children with special needs. By equipping our dedicated NGOs with the right tools, we are helping to break down the barriers that have kept too many children from accessing quality basic education. It is a step toward building a more inclusive, compassionate, and empowered society. We encourage businesses that want to assist to get in touch with us so we can find ways to partner.”

To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV victims, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za  or visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/persons-disabilities-programme

Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za