Two of the major services run by the non-governmental welfare organisation SAVF will close at the end of the month.

According to the SAVF’s head of marketing, Maria Scholtz, the Deurgangshuis and Lappop Day Care Centre in Talc Road will close at the end of April.

According to Scholtz, it was a “difficult decision” to close the facilities.

The Daurgangshuis, which offered a temporary place to stay for women in need, has been functioning since August 1996.

“As a non-profit organisation, the sustainability of services and the quality of care provided to beneficiaries remain our highest priorities. Despite ongoing efforts by staff, volunteers, and the organisation, increasing operational and maintenance costs have made it no longer viable to continue services at this facility.”

“This decision was made in consultation with relevant state departments, with careful consideration given to the wellbeing of all beneficiaries. SAVF is committed to ensuring that every affected individual receives the necessary support and guidance to secure appropriate alternative care and services.”

“SAVF will continue to provide vital social service support within the community through our highly skilled social workers, ensuring care, guidance, and the empowerment of those in need. We extend our sincere appreciation to our dedicated staff and volunteers for their years of service and their continued support during this transition,” says Scholtz.

She confirmed that the land and buildings of the Deurgangshuis and Lappop Day Care Centre do not belong to the SAVF, and that decreasing subsidies and increasing demands by the Department of Social Services played a role in the decision to close the facilities. The buildings also did not comply with SAVF and municipal standards anymore.

Although the organisation looked into alternative venues to move the services to, the move was not sustainable due to insufficient funding.

SAVF has been in operation since 1904, celebrating 122 years of service in 2026.