DSD Foster Child Career Day fuels dreams
On 21 October 2025, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD), in partnership with Northlink College, hosted a career day for children in foster care at the institution’s Protea campus.
It was organised by the DSD Delft Service Delivery Area for children who are in the foster system, to educate them about the various job and learning opportunities available to them.
Several institutions and departments supported the event by having informative exhibitions for the young participants, including:
- NorthLink College
- Premier’s Office Center for e-Innovation
- Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
- Provincial Department of Oversight and Community Safety
- City of Cape Town: Law Enforcement, Metro Police, and Fire Brigade
- Grandwest
- Gene Louw Traffic College
- Yes 4 Youth
- Chrysalis Academy
3-time Paralympic gold medalist Hilton Langenhoven motivated the children with his powerful story of overcoming a challenging childhood to becoming a top world athlete.
One of the children, an 18-year old girl from Delft, said, “I learned so much today and I enjoyed it. My takeaway from today is that we can become whatever we want to be one day, no matter our circumstances and we can achieve our dreams.”
This was the third career day of this nature, organised by the Delft DSD team with support from Northlink College.
Northlink College Deputy Principal Sandra Raubenheimer said, “I’m excited to see all the learners from the various schools and I hope they take up the opportunities available here today, especially the study opportunities at Northlink College. I hope we can continue with this event with DSD year after year, and that we can make a difference in the young people’s lives of the Western Cape.”
Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, thanked the Delft DSD staff for going above and beyond for vulnerable children. “Throughout Social Development Month, we have been shining a light on the amazing work by staff within the Western Cape Department of Social Development who time and time again go the extra mile for the residents they serve. This career day was borne from social workers, social auxiliary workers, and community development practitioners who identified a need in the communities they serve. When a foster child turns 18, they may face increased vulnerability to socioeconomic challenges, often due to limited awareness of post-school opportunities. Instead of letting them slip through the cracks, the staff worked hard to get stakeholders like Northlink College to invest in the youth that they believe in,” said Minister Londt.
He added, “Thank you to all the partners who helped DSD make today possible. Thank you for heeding the call to create a day of hope and boundless opportunity. I encourage any other residents or businesses that want to do the same in strengthening the hand of our department, to please reach out to us or you can even do so by supporting credible and vetted social service organisations through the Cape Care Fund.”
For more information about DSD’s services, please visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/services, or visit your nearest local DSD office, or contact the toll-free number 0800 220 250. For information about the Cape Care Fund visit: https://capecarefund.org.za/.
Media enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development