New vehicles for NGOs in Disability Sector bring relief and dignity

In celebration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) handed over specially adapted vehicles to 3 NGOs working in the disability sector, funded by the department:

• Roosendal Special Care Centre
• George APD
• Elim Home

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

These vehicles bring the total number of adapted vehicles the department has handed over to organisations across the Western Cape to 17.

The handover also marked the close of Disability Rights Awareness Month, observed from 3 November to 3 December, to place a spotlight on the rights of persons with disabilities.

DSD worked with the Western Cape Mobility Department on this project.

“As a department our hand is strengthened by sister departments like Mobility in helping those most in need. We also cannot adequately serve the vulnerable residents of this province without incredible NGOs like Roosendal, Elim Home, and George APD. These organisations work tirelessly to care for and support children and adults with disabilities – along with their families, making their journey a little bit easier,” said Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt.

Matilda Jackson, founder of Roosendal Special Care Centre said of the donation, “For the last 10 years, we’ve been struggling with our transport, especially for our children who have cerebral palsy. What the department has done for us is truly amazing. When I got the email to say we are getting a vehicle, I froze because we’ve been praying for this for so long. I was so grateful! Our dream has come true, and I am thankful for what the department is doing for us as special care centres.”

Minister Londt added, “Although Disability Rights Awareness Month has come to an end, our work as a Western Cape Government to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities and promote inclusion and accessibility does not stop. We will continue working with sister departments and organisations to break down the barriers that have kept too many children from accessing quality basic education. It is a step toward in 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.”

The department has allocated R224 million to its Services for Persons with Disabilities programme in 2025/2026. 

R167 million of this funding goes towards 221 NPOs that provide various support services to persons with disabilities to promote wellbeing, dignity, and protection, 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;
• Protective workshops services and residential care services; and
• Residential Homes for Persons with Disabilities

DSD also operates its own residential facility for adults and children with disabilities, Sivuyile, which has been allocated over R37 million in funding for 25/26.

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 our Persons with Disabilities Programme or https://capecarefund.org.za/ to see how you can get involved to assist.

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