Cape Town, 07 February 2025 – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) have joined forces to expand access to essential social services, strengthen institutional capacity, and mobilize resources to support communities in need.

Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed on 06 February 2025, this partnership underscores UNDP’s commitment to working alongside provincial governments to drive inclusive development, good governance, and social impact.

Expanding Access to Social Services

The partnership will focus on developing and implementing innovative programmes that enhance service delivery, ensuring underserved communities receive the support efficiently and timely. UNDP will also work with DSD to build public sector capacity through knowledge exchange, training, and digital governance solutions.

Mobilizing Resources for Greater Impact

A key feature of this partnership is the mobilization of resources through private sector engagement. UNDP will leverage its networks to attract potential funding partners for social impact initiatives, including the Cape Care Fund—a new model set to be launched later this year. This initiative will provide structured support to well-functioning non-profits, ensuring their resilience and long-term sustainability.

UNDP Resident Representative Maxwell Gomera shared, " 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 organization 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. 

Gomera added “what defines us a people is how we take care of the vulnerable members of our society.”

UNDP remains committed to supporting provincial governments across South Africa in strengthening social services and advancing sustainable development solutions that leave no one behind.