City of Cape Town Link

Support for vulnerable groups

<div class="ExternalClass5EED6C7060E641BFB223B3C49C303E15"><p>We run awareness campaigns and offer training programmes for vulnerable groups in Cape Town.<br></p></div>

<span> <h2 class="sectHeading">What is a vulnerable group?<br></h2></span> <p>Vulnerable groups face a higher risk of poverty and social exclusion in South Africa. People in these groups often experience victimisation and abuse, and are more susceptible to inequality and discrimination. <br>(Source: <a href="http://www.statssa.gov.za/" target="_blank">Stats SA<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> 2016 Vulnerable Groups Indicator Report) <br></p><h4>Vulnerable groups include:<br></h4><ul><li>Children – aged 17 years and below; </li><li>LGBTQI+ - Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex etc.<br></li><li>Older persons – aged 60 years and older </li><li>People with disabilities – people who experience various levels of difficulty in functional areas such as sight, hearing, mobility, memory, concentration, self-care, communication and social interaction. </li><li>The youth – aged 15-34 years </li><li>Women<br></li></ul><p>Our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/City%20strategies%2c%20plans%20and%20frameworks/SDS_SocialDevelopmentStrategy.pdf" target="_blank">Social Development Strategy</a> aims to support the most vulnerable groups by enhancing access to infrastructure and social services. One of the key methods identified to achieve this is to “Champion the inclusion of vulnerable people across the City". </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Vulnerable Groups Policy<br></h2><p>Since adopting the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Bylaws%20and%20policies/Vulnerable%20Groups%20-%20%28Policy%20number%2012399A%29%20approved%20on%2004%20December%202013.pdf">Vulnerable Groups Policy in 2013</a>, the City’s <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/Community%2c%20Arts%20and%20Culture%20Development">Community, Arts and Culture Development (CACD) Department </a>has introduced measures to address and understand issues facing vulnerable groups, including, among others: <br></p><ul><li>interventions to meet the needs of vulnerable groups; </li><li>awareness, development and training programmes in consultation with registered NGOs, CBOs, Provincial Department of Social Development (DSD), and other spheres of government throughout the city; </li><li>promoting and supporting a cohesive and effective network of structures, organisations and groups focusing on vulnerable groups; </li><li>conducting research on issues of vulnerable groups to inform the design and delivery of services and strategies; and<br></li><li>collaborating with other spheres of government and more specifically with the Western Cape Provincial Government DSD to contribute towards a unified effort in the delivery of social development services to vulnerable groups.<br></li></ul><p>Existing platforms such as social media can help us spread awareness about the issues affecting vulnerable groups. We also use the platforms to inform the practical solutions and best practices that guide the planning and implementation processes for our plans and programmes.</p><h2 class="sectHeading">Programmes<br></h2><p>The City has a range of programmes available, which focus on empowering vulnerable groups and responding to <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/GBV_Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">gender-based violence (GBV)</a>.</p><p>Our programmes aim to change the perceptions, attitudes and behaviour of the general population towards vulnerable groups, as well as empower vulnerable groups by assisting with personal development and access to employment opportunities.<br></p><h4>Gender programmes</h4><p>An increase in violent crimes against women prompted both government and civil society to review their policies, strategies, programmes and interventions on GBV and other issues that affect the lives of vulnerable groups in South Africa. All stakeholders agree that drastic steps are necessary to deal with these issues.</p><p>Existing interventions are in place; however, prevention is essential and should be the focus of all future action plans. <br></p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info toptip"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>what is Gender-based violence (GBV)?<br></h4><p>GBV is an umbrella term used to describe any kind of discrimination or harmful behaviour inflicted on a person because of their gender or sexual orientation. This includes acts or threats of sexual, physical or psychological violence. It is important to remember that both females and males can be victims of GBV. <br> <br>Find out more about the <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/GBV_poster.pdf" target="_blank">fight against GBV</a> and how to <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/GBV_Pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">report it</a>.<br></p></div></div></span> <p>A GBV awareness component is included in all our gender programmes, including:</p><ul><li>What GBV is <br></li><li>Why and how GBV happens </li><li>Types of GBV </li><li>Referral information for cases of GBV</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading white-copy blue bg-navy"><div class="graphic no-border"> <i class="info caring"></i><br></div><div class="desc"><h4>Did you know?</h4><p> <strong>A Caring City: In 2019,</strong> the City hosted a Men Talk event for all male employees. The talk covered kep topics such as depression; suicide; the importance of open communication and very importantly, why GBV is not only a women’s issue. The men in attendance demonstrated their commitment to put an end to GBV and femicide by signing a City of Cape Town men pledge against gender violence.<br></p></div></div><h4>Programmes for older persons</h4><p>Older people living in poverty are often unable to provide for their old age through secure retirement benefits. Additionally, a lack of access to quality medical care, poor nutrition and unsanitary living conditions affects their health and makes them more vulnerable to disease. </p><p>The roles of older people in their households are also affected. Older people are often required to take care of grandchildren, and use their social grants to feed their families.<br></p><p>To address these social issues, the City offers a range of services and programmes.<br> </p><h4>Programmes for people with disabilities</h4><p>According to the <a href="https://www.gov.za/documents/white-paper-rights-persons-disabilities-official-publication-and-gazetting-white-paper" target="_blank">White Paper on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (WPRPD)<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>, the <a href="https://www.ohchr.org/en/instruments-mechanisms/instruments/convention-rights-persons-disabilities" target="_blank">United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> recognises disability as an evolving concept. Society creates disability when they prevent a person with an impairment from participating fully in all aspects of life, and do not provide for their rights and specific needs.</p><p>People with disabilities experience three main types of challenges:</p><ul><li>Social (including high cost, lack of disability awareness, and communication difficulties) </li><li>Psychological (such as fear for personal safety) </li><li>Structural (including infrastructure, operations and information)</li></ul><p>Supporting people with disabilities is a core focus of the City of Cape Town. We are working hard to create systems, policies and plans that can make life easier for a person with a disability in Cape Town. </p><p>The City also celebrates International Day for Persons with Disabilities to promote:<br></p><ul><li>an understanding of disability issues </li><li>the rights of persons with disabilities </li><li>the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities are intregrated in every aspect of the political, social, economic and cultural life of their communities</li></ul> <span> <h2 class="sectHeading">Get involved<br></h2> <p>To find out more about our vulnerable groups programmes, visit City Connect:<br></p> <span> <div class="notification with-heading white-copy yellow bg-darker-grey"><div class="graphic"> <i class="info citycard"></i></div><div class="desc"><h4>City Connect</h4><p> <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Activities-and-programmes/Community-building/vulnerable-groups-programmes">Vulnerable groups programmes</a><br></p></div></div></span></span>

We run awareness campaigns and offer training programmes for vulnerable groups in Cape Town.