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DSD Delivers Modified Vehicles to Empower Disability Sector NGOs

7 months Anetta Mangxaba 229 Views

By: Staff Reporter

Some of the newly delivered modified vehicles.

In a significant move to advance inclusive education and mobility, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has handed over 10 specially adapted vehicles to NGOs working in the disability sector across the province.

These modified vehicles, delivered at a handover ceremony in Maitland, are set to transform daily access to quality basic education for children with severe and profound intellectual disabilities. The initiative, a collaboration between the DSD and the Western Cape Mobility Department, ensures these children can reach care and learning facilities safely and affordably.

The beneficiaries include:

  • Oasis Association (Claremont)
  • Cape Mental Health: Imizamayethu (Khayelitsha)
  • Cape Mental Health: Erica (Mitchells Plain)
  • Autism Connect (Strandfontein)
  • Siyabonga (Vredenburg)
  • Courage to Care (Strand)
  • Breede Valley Association – Umnenge Special Care Centre (De Doorns)
  • ACVV Robertson – Trippel Toontjies (Robertson)
  • Association for Persons with Disabilities (APD) Oudtshoorn – Sonskyn Day Care
  • Emmanuel Day Care Centre (Atlantis)

Carley Delport, a social worker from APD Oudtshoorn, expressed heartfelt gratitude: “The bus means the world to us, especially since we work in the rural areas around Oudtshoorn. We pick up children from every corner, so this will help us tremendously in making our services more accessible.”

Provincial Minister of Mobility Isaac Sileku said, “When we design transport systems with our most vulnerable in mind, we create a more caring and inclusive society for everyone. This partnership is about restoring dignity and ensuring no one is left behind.”

In addition to the vehicles, DSD is offering further support through transport subsidies, funding for carers, and the appointment of Programme Implementers to help facilitate education in coordination with the provincial Departments of Education and Health and Wellness.

Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt emphasised the importance of collaboration: “Today’s handover is a testament to the power of partnerships. These vehicles are lifelines for children with special needs. By equipping our dedicated NGOs with the right tools, we are helping to break down barriers to education.”

Minister Londt also called on businesses to partner with government to support inclusion efforts.

For more information on services for persons with disabilities or GBV support, contact DSD on 0800 220 250 or email SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za. Visit: www.westerncape.gov.za