Every year harsh weather conditions expose vulnerable groups living in informal settlements, remote rural locations or on the streets to greater risk.
To support and protect the most vulnerable residents, the provincial government will implement plans to ensure appropriate mitigation measures are in place should disasters occur.
The Department of Social Development is one of the provincial departments that have been working tirelessly to ensure its winter-readiness programmes are operational in each region.
“This time of the year we see an increased demand for humanitarian and psychosocial support services among vulnerable communities,” said former MEC of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez. “The department works closely with other government agencies and NGOs that provide humanitarian relief. We have seen time and time again how a coordinated and collaborative response is the most effective way to mitigate the impact of weather-related disasters on vulnerable groups.”
The department’s plan includes the provision of psycho-social support services, assessments and referrals to state relief agency Sassa for distress assistance, sharing information on available bed space at the 24 funded shelters for winter occupation, and providing food relief or linking indigent households to food relief opportunities through the funded and/or non-funded partners of the department.
Residents are also encouraged to assist through volunteering or donating to registered NGOs.
V Information about the department’s other services can be obtained by visiting any of its local offices, calling 0800 220 250, or visiting https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development.
