The Western Cape Department of Social Development DSD and the Health Foundation of South Africa joined forces on 6 June to establish the Cape Care Fund, a new initiative designed to support struggling non-profit organisations NPOs and NGOs in the social services sector.
According to the Department of Social Development , the fund aims to address severe budget shortfalls that have forced numerous critical organisations to shut down in recent years, making it a lifeline for vulnerable communities.
This comes after South Africa's economy declined over the years, worsened by post-pandemic challenges, which have led to drastic cuts in government and donor funding. Over the past three years, 12 child protection branches, 3 homes for older persons, 18 community centres for the elderly, and 4 child and youth care centres in the Western Cape have closed due to financial strain. These organisations provide essential services that complement government efforts in supporting vulnerable groups.
Western Cape Social Development Minister Jaco Londt stressed the urgency of supporting these NGOs: We must move them from surviving to thriving for the sake of our most at-risk residents.
Meanwhile, the Health Foundation's CEO, Harry Grainger, highlighted the fund's role in fostering economic resilience through innovative financing and collaboration.