Badisa Belville

Badisa is one of South Africa's — and indeed Africa's — largest social development organisations, operating across the Western Cape, Northern Cape, and Eastern Cape. With roots in the Dutch Reformed Church's welfare structures and now operating as a fully autonomous, professionally led NPO with its own management board and diverse funding base, Badisa serves vulnerable people of all ages: from newborns placed for adoption to elderly persons in residential care, from children in statutory protection to adults in substance disorder treatment.

Their name comes from the Afrikaans/Xhosa concept of service and mutual care — and their programmes reflect the full depth of that meaning. In the 2024/25 annual report they describe themselves as "one of the largest social development organisations in Africa" — a claim backed by their breadth of service points, staff numbers, and service volume across three provinces.

What They Offer Survivors, Children, and Families

Child Protection — Statutory Authority (DCPO) Badisa is a Designated Child Protection Organisation — meaning they have legal authority under the Children's Act to investigate reports of child abuse and neglect, remove children from dangerous situations, apply to the Children's Court for protection orders, and place children in safe care. They are the child protection authority for large parts of the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape. To report child abuse in their areas: visit badisa.org.za/social-work-services to find your nearest Child Protection Office.

Foster Care and Safety Placements Badisa recruits, trains, and supports safety parents and foster parents across their service areas — finding families for children who cannot safely remain at home. They manage the full foster care process from placement through to family reunification or long-term care.

Adoption Services — Magdalena House Through Magdalena House, Badisa provides pregnancy counselling and adoption services — supporting birth mothers through one of the most difficult decisions of their lives, and facilitating the placement of children with permanent, loving adoptive families.

Substance Disorder Treatment Badisa operates registered substance disorder treatment centres — providing residential rehabilitation and outpatient support for individuals whose addiction is entangled with GBV, poverty, and family breakdown.

Elderly Care and Residential Accommodation Badisa operates residential care homes for older persons and persons with disabilities across the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape. Applications for accommodation are managed through a waiting list at waitinglist.ihfmanagement.co.za.

Little Seeds Early Childhood Development The Little Seeds ECD programme supports young children and their caregivers across Badisa's service areas — providing quality early learning, nutrition support, and developmental stimulation.

Poppie Project — Child Abuse Prevention Through Puppetry The beloved Poppie Project is Badisa's award-winning, nationally recognised child abuse prevention programme using puppetry and interactive storytelling to teach young children about body safety, consent, and what to do if something happens. (Also listed in previous batch for Badisa Trio.)

Kuumba Care — Arts Therapy Kuumba Care is Badisa's arts therapy service — using creative expression as a therapeutic tool for healing, particularly for children and adults who have experienced trauma. Art therapy is especially valuable for children who cannot yet find words for what has happened to them.

Badisa Podcasts and Stories of Hope Badisa produces podcasts and publishes Stories of Hope — accessible, free resources for community members, survivors, and professionals wanting to understand social issues and healing pathways.

Badisa covers the Western, Northern, and Eastern Cape. Head office: 021 957 7130. Full contact list at badisa.org.za/badisa-contact-list. Facebook: BadisaCharity | Instagram: badisacharity | LinkedIn: badisa-charity.