By KEDIBONE MOLAETSI
8 May 2025- The Democratic Alliance (DA) said on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, they honour the selfless NGOs, civil society groups and volunteers who form the heartbeat of humanitarian response across the Western Cape. The DA said these are the first responders in times of disaster, the steady hands delivering food in winter and the compassionate presence for victims of violence and displacement.
The DA spokesperson on Social Development in Western Cape, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, who is Member of Provincial Legislature (MPL), said they bring shelter, support and hope. Kaizer-Philander said they are indispensable to the resilience of the communities.
“The DA-led Western Cape Government is proud to stand alongside them, not just in recognition, but in meaningful partnership. Over the past five years, the Department of Social Development has extended practical support to over 2 700 organisations through the NPO Help Desk and Institutional Capacity Building Programme.
“Collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme is further strengthening the capacity and sustainability of this vital sector. In 2024 alone, an allocation of an additional R3 million to boost emergency response efforts. Last year, almost 33,000 individuals accessed psychosocial support and over 19 500 families benefited from our Family Preservation Programme,” she said.
Kaizer-Philander further said these are not just statistics. She added that they represent lives transformed through cooperation, compassion and community spirit.
“To every volunteer, organisation, and leader working at the grassroots: we see you, we thank you, and we honour your service. You are the lifeblood of a just and caring society. Together, government and civil society working in lockstep, we are stronger,” said Kaizer-Philander.
The Guardian 