Badisa continues to lead the way in transforming services for older persons through its Future Care strategy, first approved by the Badisa Management Board in 2020. With South Africa’s older population expected to more than double by 2050, the need for sustainable, affordable, and accessible care has never been more urgent.
READ MORE: FutureCare Conference calls for collaborative solutions to address SA’s elderly care crisis
In response to sector-wide challenges, Badisa hosted a landmark conference in September 2024, bringing together 134 delegates from NGOs, the private sector, academia, and government. As a result, the Western Cape Older Persons Care Alliance – a collaborative platform driving innovation, advocacy, and action in the sector – was established.
The Alliance has since engaged government role players and launched a provincial Advocacy and Awareness Campaign, while also prioritising cost-effective care models, training, research, and strategic partnerships. Encouragingly, the Department of Social Development has responded with increased subsidies for 2025/26, with further relief pledged for the coming years.
Says Waldie Terblanche, Badisa’s Elderly and Disability Care Coordinator, “We cannot build the future on outdated systems. The Future Care initiative is about developing solutions that are practical, compassionate, and sustainable for older persons in every community.”
The Alliance continues to meet quarterly to guide implementation and evaluate progress. With shared commitment and cooperation, Badisa is helping to shape a stronger, more responsive future for older persons across the Western Cape.
