On Wednesday 18 March 2026, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) opened the Spitskop Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Murraysburg.
This is the only NPO-run CYCC in the Karoo, accommodating 24 boys and girls who are found to be in need of care and protection.
DSD has invested R2 million in the facility (for the 2025/2026 financial period) which is under the management and mentorship of the managing board of the Andrew Murray CYCC. The board will ensure the new management board is capacitated towards independence.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “This home answers the call for a place of safety for vulnerable children living in the Karoo. These are children who have faced immense challenges from an early age, such as abuse, neglect, or a broken home. It is not just about alternative care, but about providing hope, love, dignity, and support to those little ones who need it most.”
At the opening event, Grace Ndinisa, Spitskop CYCC Operational Manager said, “This is a beacon of hope for this community. It means they are being noticed. They are being seen. The bigger picture is that this will motivate community members to strive for better and it will bring more feet to the area. Many children being placed here don’t have families. We want the community to get involved by either sponsoring a child or becoming holiday parents. It’s the small things that children appreciate like having someone to watch their sport matches, someone to send them a card on their birthdays. It tells them they are loved, cared for, and belong somewhere.”
Murraysburg resident and former foster parent Margaret Martins said, “This place will mean so much for our children. They say it takes a village to raise a child. The children who will come from this CYCC will leave as victors. We are so grateful for this home for our children.”
“This place will make a big difference in this region. There are many social ills, and having a facility like this will help support the children here,” said Allison De Wee, a DSD social auxiliary worker.
Minister Londt added that DSD will invest a further R1.9 million in the next financial year.
“This funding will go towards funding the first 24 bedspaces and the purchasing of a vehicle. We aim to expand it to accommodate 48 children. But as it is an NPO-run facility, it will be reliant on the kindness of donors to keep it going. I encourage residents and businesses to get involved. You can make a positive difference and a lasting impact in the lives of so many children – and families – through one small act of kindness.”
To learn how you can support Spitskop CYCC, contact Ms Grace Ndinisa: vakkundige@huisspitskop.co.za or telephone (049) 844 0023.
To access more information about services offered by DSD, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/services
Media enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Department of Social Development
www.westerncape.gov.za