Western Cape Department of Social Development Annual Report 2024/2025

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) presented its Annual Report 2024/25 to the Western Cape Provincial Parliament (WCPP) today, showcasing a year of innovation, accountability, and tangible impact in improving the lives of vulnerable residents across the province.

The department maintained its clean audit opinion from the Auditor-General of South Africa, for the 14th consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to good governance and transparency. 

DSD spent its R2.52 billion budget effectively across its five programmes, with more than R1 billion in subsidies transferred to Non-Profit and Non-Governmental organisations to expand the reach of social welfare and community development services. The services provided by our partners to care for the vulnerable are invaluable and we thank them for the critical work they help us do.  

Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt thanked DSD staff and management for their hard work and dedication to serving vulnerable residents of the province. “Despite tough economic conditions and rising social challenges, our department continues to deliver with compassion, competence, and integrity. This year’s results show that by working together – government, civil society, and communities – we can build a more inclusive and caring Western Cape,” said the Minister.

He added, “While the Western Cape Government continues fighting for its fair share of the national budget, our department has found various ways to become more resilient. This has been done through the introduction of innovations like the Social Work Integrated Management System application (SWIMS app), and the launch of three mobile offices which led to 447 residents living in rural areas receiving essential social services.”

Some of the department’s achievements include: 

• Child Protection: 12 398 at-risk children received support through developmental programmes such as Risiha sites and Drop-in Centres; 

3 464 parents and caregivers completed family strengthening and parenting programmes, promoting safer and more resilient homes;

3 018 children entered the foster care system, bringing the total number of active foster care cases in the province to 42 699 by the end of March 2025;

• Gender-Based Violence: The Department trained and deployed a further 207 GBV Ambassadors in 14 communities during 24/25, expanding grassroots efforts to prevent violence and support victims. Over 24 000 GBV survivors accessed psychosocial support, while 2 042 women and children found refuge in funded GBV shelters;
• Older Persons: 11 new facilities for older persons were registered, bringing the total to 221 across the province. 168 care workers received training on frail care standards to ensure dignity and quality of life for older residents;
• Persons with Disabilities: 99 staff members and NPO representatives were trained on the Handbook for Adult Daycare Centre Programmes, strengthening services for adults with disabilities. 339 persons with intellectual disabilities received trauma counselling through the Sexual Abuse Victim Empowerment Programme by Cape Mental Health;
• Food Relief: Community Nutrition and Development Centres (CNDCs) served over 22 000 vulnerable people with daily meals and life-skills training; and
• Youth: 14 856 young people not in employment, education or training (NEET youth) received skills development and mentorship through Youth Cafés and community programmes. 

A copy of the DSD Annual Report 2024/25 can be accessed on our website: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/sites/default/files/2025-10/dsd-annual-report-24_25.pdf

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