DSD partners with United Nations Development Programme for strengthened social services

The Western Cape Department of Social Development has partnered with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a bold move to strengthen social services in the Western Cape.

The UNDP is the leading United Nations agency for international development working with national and provincial governments to promote sustainable development, eradication of poverty, advancement of women, good governance and crisis resilience.

On 6 February 2025, the department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UNDP.

This collaboration is part of ongoing efforts to bolster the department’s capacity, for the benefit of residents who depend on DSD’s services, as well as its staff.

The agreement’s objectives include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement innovative programmes that expand access to essential social services.
• Build professional capacity within the public sector by promoting knowledge exchange, training, and digital governance tools.
• Foster enhanced communications strategies that showcase DSD’s achievements to increase visibility and attract support.
• Mobilise resources through partnerships with the private sector. This means, the UNDP may leverage its networks to attract potential funding partners interested in supporting social impact initiatives, including the Cape Care Fund which will be launched later this year. The Cape Care Fund is a model that will be aimed at strengthening support for well-functioning, registered non-profit organisations, to increase their resilience. More on this initiative can be found here.

Mr. Maxwell Gomera, Resident Representative for UNDP South Africa, said, “South Africa’s greatest resource is its people, and the Western Cape Government is stepping up to ensure their talents turn into real opportunities. Together, we are investing in innovation, skills, and small businesses, because when local economies grow, everyone wins. This partnership is about creating thousands of jobs, empowering entrepreneurs, and transforming townships into thriving economic hubs. The future is here - and it’s built on bold ideas and shared action.”

Provincial Minister Jaco Londt said, “This is another proud moment for DSD. For an esteemed organisation like the UNDP to be partnering with us is a testament to the outstanding reputation of the Western Cape Government when it comes to good governance, as well as the important and excellent work done by the Provincial Department of Social Development. In a time where support services for the vulnerable is needed more than ever, we must continue to work with partners to strengthen – and hopefully expand – DSD’s capacity.” 

Minister Londt added, “Initiatives like the Cape Care Fund further demonstrate our commitment to ensuring sustainable support for those in need. Partnerships like this one with the UNDP will help us achieve even greater impact. Thank you to the UNDP for embarking on this journey with us, a journey that will lead to more lives being changed for the better through this department.”

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 the department’s website.

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