The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust (NPO: 183-821) is a Cape Town based charity supporting disadvantaged children and youth from across the region. Founded in 2013, the South African non-profit organisation facilitates vital support to impoverished communities in the region. In partnership with local schools and in collaboration with other Cape Town charities, our grassroots NPO provides:
- Holistic education and care sponsorship for children without access to schooling or after-school care.
- Remedial support for children unable to read or with specific learning difficulties.
- Youth training programmes for young adults who dropped out of the education system prior to graduation.
These educational programmes are facilitated by experienced teachers based at SOS Africa Education Centres in the heart of selected school campuses. This trident approach aims to break down three significant barriers to employment in the Cape Town area: poverty, learning difficulties and escalating school drop-out rates. The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust’s first graduate is now in full-time employment with many more matric students graduating in 2024.
When was The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust founded?
The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust was established by its umbrella organisation SOS Africa, a UK based charity (NGO: 1188705) in Cape Town in September 2013. The charity’s very first Western Cape based education programme was launched at Grabouw High School. Henceforth, a child sponsorship programme was introduced to support disadvantaged children from the surrounding township communities. Before long, what started as a small educational initiative soon expanded to provide holistic education and care to many children from across the area.
This support includes tuition fees, transportation, stationery, school clothing and after-school care. As a result of this holistic support, the children thrived and have remained part of the programme ever since. The first students enrolled in January 2014 graduated last year with bright futures ahead of them (visit: SOS Africa Alumni page).
Where in the Cape Town region does the NPO operate?
Following the successes of The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust’s first education project in Grabouw, the NPO soon expanded. Soon, educational support programmes were established in Somerset West, Elgin and Gordon’s Bay in partnership with local schools. These initiatives provide reliable access to good quality schooling and after-school support. SOS Africa Education Centres also provide Learning Support Programmes to children struggling with learning difficulties to help them progress though their respective grades.
The NPO has also funded other vital services for struggling schools in the area. Recent projects include the construction of classrooms, sanitation blocks and the provision of learning resources and teacher training. Over the past 12 years the non-profit organisation has become well-known for breaking down barriers to learning. As a result of this holistic approach, it has safeguarded the futures of disadvantaged children across the region.
Was the charity’s work impacted by COVID-19?
Rather than reducing its operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, SOS Africa expanded to meet the desperate needs of disadvantaged communities. Henceforth SOS Africa adapted its services to provide vital nutritional support to Cape Town’s poorest residents. As the eyes of the world looked to support South Africa’s struggling township communities, SOS Africa launched its COVID-19 Emergency Relief Appeal.
Although this initiative was originally only designed to support the SOS Africa children and their families, it grew to provide vital food supplies to thousands of hungry families from across the region. The Trustees, staff and sponsors of The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust were extremely proud of the NGO’s ability to respond to the desperate needs of the Cape Town communities during the crisis.
What youth training does the charity organise?
Following the vital role played by The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust during the COVID-19 pandemic in supporting local communities, the Trustees identified another major national crisis, youth unemployment. As discussed in ‘Why Support Charities in South Africa?’, by 2024 youth unemployment in South Africa rose to a startling 59.7%.
To help combat this emergency at a local level, the charity developed care worker training programmes which guarantee employment for young adults. Regardless of prior qualifications, once they have completed an intensive three-month training course they are recruited. To date the programme has 45 graduates, all now in employment.
Following the successes of its initial training programmes and an unprecedented donation, in May 2026 SOS Africa opened its first training centre in Sir Lowry’s Pass Village. The SOS Africa Skills and Training Academy offers a broad range of certified training courses to unemployed youth from across the Helderberg Basin.
How can I support Cape Town Children’s Charities?
There are many ways in which you can get involved in the work of Cape Town based charities like The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust. You can contribute towards the long-term education and care of SOS Africa children by sponsoring local children in need. Alternatively, you can fundraise or donate online or donate resources to the charity’s many Cape Town based education projects…
The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust Bank Account Details:
Account Name: SOS Africa / Bank: ABSA / Account Number: 9283811100 / Branch Code: 632005
Fundraise for The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust:
In return, the charity will provide regular updates and feedback showing the impact made by your generous contribution. If you operate a business in South Africa, The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust can also provide all the necessary documentation for tax relief and promote your support across its website and social media channels.
The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust in the News
The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust is delighted to be featured alongside other Cape Town Charities on the following news websites in recent weeks:
District Mail Helderberg: Helderberg youngsters geared for future employment
Bolander Lifestyle: SOS Africa launches training academy to help tackle youth unemployment
Good Things Guy: Thank Goodness Matt Took a Gapper! SOS Africa Celebrates 21st
For more information once you have visited the SOS Africa website, you can contact The SOS Africa Western Cape Trust Founder and CEO, Dr Matt Crowcombe directly.
