Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities

What Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities does

The Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities (WCAPD) is a registered South African Non-Profit Organisation (NPO 003-105) and Public Benefit Organisation (PBO 18/11/13/406), headquartered at 320 Koeberg Road, Tijgerhof, Milnerton, Cape Town. Founded on 25 February 1937 as the Cape Cripple Care Association — the first disability-focused organisation of its kind in South Africa — it was instrumental in convening the 1939 Cape Town conference that established the National Council for the Care of Cripples. WCAPD is one of nine provincial associations affiliated with the NCPD, the South African Disability Alliance (SADA), and Rehabilitation International. Its core function is the holistic development, advocacy, and inclusion of persons with disabilities in the Western Cape Province, delivered through a federation of 21 affiliated APD branches spanning towns from Oudtshoorn and George to Cape Town, Tygerberg, Gugulethu, and Milnerton.

WCAPD's service portfolio comprises seven core programmatic areas — Adult Care, Childcare and Education, Developmental Social Work Services, Good Governance, GROWing for Inclusion, Raising Awareness, and Work and Employment — supplemented by the Skills and Work Centre (SWC) vocational programme aligned with the Department of Social Development's 2019 Revised Policy and the Adult Inclusion Drive Assessment (AIDA) matching tool. Awareness and fundraising are delivered through flagship campaigns including Casual Day (annual R20 sticker), Walk in My Wheels, See with My Ears, and Hear with My Eyes, plus bespoke corporate sensitisation workshops. The core provincial team of approximately 11 staff (Provincial Director, two Regional Managers, Chief Social Workers, Finance Manager, Administrator, Awareness Coordinator) oversees branch operations and is supported by independent HR and PR consultants.

The business model is a hybrid non-profit revenue structure combining Department of Social Development Skills and Work Centre subsidies, individual and corporate donations (including international tax-deductible giving via Myriad USA), Casual Day sticker sales, in-kind contributions, and modest programme-fee income from APD branches' handmade-product sales. The organisation is governed by a management committee (Mancom) led by Provincial Director Elmien Grobbelaar (in role since 2013), with no private equity, venture capital, or individual ownership interests; it is membership-based through its affiliated branches.

Name

Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities

Legal name

Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities

Website

https://wcapd.org.za

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

WCAPD is a registered South African non-profit (founded 1937) that advocates for and delivers disability inclusion services across the Western Cape Province through a federation of 21 affiliated APD branches, funded by government subsidies, donations, and the Casual Day campaign.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Disability Services

NAICS

Individual and Family Services (6241), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (624310), Educational Support Services (6117)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

OT Evaluations, Assessments & IEP/504 Planning Support (EDAKAFAM)

akta.pro secondary industries

District Student Services Administration (Special Ed, Counseling, Health) (EDADABAJ), Behavioral Health & MTSS/RTI Tiered SEL Supports (EDAKAMAE)

Keywords

• Disability services
• Social work services
• Capacity building programmes
• Disability awareness campaigns
• Vocational rehabilitation

Headquarters

HQ city

Milnerton, Cape Town

HQ country

South Africa

HQ region

Africa

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Subsidies: Skills and Work Centre subsidies from the Department of Social Development provide funding for programs serving persons with disabilities.
2. Donations and Fundraising: Financial and in-kind donations from individuals, corporations, and institutional donors including Myriad USA for US-based tax-deductible contributions. Flagship fundraising via Casual Day sticker sales.
3. Programme Fees and Social Enterprise: APD branches generate income through sale of handmade products (woodwork, crafts, food items) produced by beneficiaries. Revenue supports operational costs and beneficiary wages.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

WCAPD is a registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation that provides disability advocacy, social work services, early childhood development, adult care, vocational skills training, and employment support to persons with disabilities across the Western Cape Province. Services are delivered directly through a network of 21 affiliated APD branches and complemented by awareness campaigns, corporate sensitisation workshops, and capacity-building programmes for branch governance and inclusion.

Product overview

WCAPD is a registered Non-Profit and Public Benefit Organisation providing a comprehensive suite of programmes and services for persons with disabilities across the Western Cape Province. The portfolio centres on seven core programmatic areas: Adult Care, Childcare and Education, Developmental Social Work Services, Good Governance, GROWing for Inclusion, Raising Awareness, and Work and Employment. These are complemented by awareness campaigns including Casual Day, Walk in My Wheels, See with My Ears, and Hear with My Eyes, as well as interactive workshops and bespoke organisational sensitisation solutions. Vocational support is delivered through Skills and Work Centre (SWC) programmes, supported by the Adult Inclusion Drive Assessment (AIDA) tool for participant matching. Additional offerings include the Bright Star First Light Workshop for administrative teams and the Inclusive Insights Newsletter for community engagement.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Adult Care Programme Holistic, person-centred services providing adult care and support for persons with disabilities, focusing on inclusion and meaningful vocational participation.
• Childcare and Education Programme Early childhood development and educational support services for children with disabilities, providing holistic, person-centred services.
• Developmental Social Work Services Social work services applying best practices to support individuals, families, and communities in their developmental journey.
• Good Governance Programme Support and guidance for management committees of APD branches, strengthening organisational governance and compliance.
• GROWing for Inclusion Programme A monitoring and evaluation approach enhancing inclusion and driving growth across the WCAPD network of branches.
• Raising Awareness Programme Awareness initiatives highlighting deeper understanding of disability issues and promoting inclusive practices.
• Work and Employment Programme Skills development and employment support enabling meaningful vocational participation for persons with disabilities.
• Casual Day Awareness Campaign Flagship annual awareness and fundraising initiative traditionally held on the first Friday of September, contributing R20.00 per sticker to support full inclusion and equity for persons with disabilities. 2025 theme: 'Beyond the Label: Embracing Unity Through Inclusion and Diversity'.
• Walk in My Wheels Campaign Workplace sensitisation programme where participants spend four hours in a wheelchair, complete tasks, and write reports to raise awareness about wheelchair accessibility.
• See with My Ears Campaign Blindfolded experience programme lasting four hours where participants complete tasks and write reports to understand challenges faced by persons with visual impairments.
• Hear with My Eyes Campaign Hearing impairment simulation programme where participants wear earplugs for 2-4 hours during daily activities to foster empathy and understanding.
• Skills and Work Centre (SWC) Programme Skills development programme set out in the Department of Social Development's Revised Policy (2019), enhancing skills and capabilities of persons with disabilities and opening pathways to the Open Labour Market.
• Interactive Workshops and Seminars Expert-led educational sessions that educate and inspire action on specific challenges and promote inclusivity in organisations.
• Customised Awareness Solutions Bespoke sensitisation events and campaigns designed to promote disability awareness and inclusion tailored to each organisation's unique needs.
• Bright Star First Light Workshop Workshop designed to enhance operational support teams, covering themes including bright thinking, being, feeling, listening, doing, and destination planning.

Quantifiable outcome

• Persons with disabilities represent only 1.4% of South Africa's workforce, below the 3% national target
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

24 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Council for the Care of Cripples (NCPD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCAPD is one of nine provincial associations affiliated with NCPD, which is affiliated with SADA and Rehabilitation International. This national body coordinates disability services and advocacy across South Africa.
• South African Disability Alliance (SADA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCAPD's provincial association is affiliated with SADA, the national disability alliance, providing network connections and advocacy support.
• Rehabilitation International (RI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWCAPD, through NCPD, is affiliated with Rehabilitation International, providing international connections and best practice frameworks for disability inclusion.
• SanlamminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner supporting WCAPD's work through donations and sponsorship of community initiatives.
• FNB (First National Bank)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate partner providing support for WCAPD's community activities and awareness campaigns.
• Urban EarthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership exploring inclusion at the intersection of climate change. Collaboration opened doors to new projects and programmes, including workshops on intersectionality and vulnerability to climate change for marginalized groups including persons with disabilities.
• The Triangle ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive spaces and opportunities, strengthening WCAPD's focus on intersectionality in disability inclusion work.
• Department of Agriculture (Laingsburg)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerDonated gardening tools, supplies, seeds, and seedlings to Laingsburg APD for community garden project supporting food security and skills development.
• ShonaquipminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organisation supporting WCAPD's work as shown in partner logos.
• Western Cape Network on DisabilityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network partner as shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• Louise FoucheminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• QuadPara AssociationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• Radio TygerbergminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRadio station partner for disability awareness programming through 'Hou my Dop' programme.
• Cape PulpitminorGTM or Marketing PartnerRadio station partner for disability awareness programming through 'Leefstyl' programme.
• Dot-to-DotminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• SchmidthauserminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• Bright StarminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization supporting Bright Star First Light workshop for administrative teams.
• GreenlightminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• FurtherminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• Disa FMminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner organization shown in WCAPD partner logos.
• Cape Town APDcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffiliated APD branch providing Social Work Service and Work & Employment services in Cape Town area.
• Tygerberg APDcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffiliated APD branch providing Social Work and Work & Employment services in Tygerberg area.
• Oudtshoorn APDcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAffiliated APD branch with entrepreneurial success including O-So-Eggy ostrich egg earrings project. Services include Social Work, Child Care & Education, Work & Employment, and Peer Support.
• Overstrand APDcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAward-winning affiliated branch (SAB Foundation runner-up) providing Social Work, Child & Education, Work & Employment, and Peer Support services in the Overstrand area.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Epilepsy South Africa: National NPO delivering social work, awareness, employment, and capacity-building programmes for people with a specific disability. Operates with a similar provincial branch model and comparable mix of donor, government, and fundraising revenue.
• QuadPara Association of South Africa: National non-profit serving quadriplegics and persons with similar physical disabilities. Already listed as a WCAPD partner, QASA shares the disability-services mission and overlapping beneficiary population (Robertson House within WCAPD's network cares specifically for quadriplegic residents).
• Alzheimer's South Africa: National non-profit delivering social support, awareness training, and caregiver capacity-building across multiple provinces. Comparable in mission (disability-adjacent support), structure, and reliance on donations and corporate sponsorship.
• South African Disability Alliance (SADA): National disability alliance of which NCPD (and therefore WCAPD) is affiliated. SADA serves as the sector-wide advocacy body, providing a natural peer for federated disability representation and policy engagement.
• Blind SA: National organisation of and for blind and partially sighted persons, providing rehabilitation, advocacy, and skills training. Overlaps with WCAPD's work-employment and social-work programmes, and WCAPD's 'See with My Ears' campaign addresses the same beneficiary community.
• National Council of and for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD): National umbrella of which WCAPD is one of nine provincial affiliates. NCPD coordinates advocacy and representation across South Africa and is therefore the closest structural peer, sharing mission, funding channels, and beneficiary base.
• Autism South Africa: National NPO providing advocacy, awareness training, and capacity-building for persons with autism and their families. Mirrors WCAPD's combination of awareness campaigns, social work services, and member-branch delivery.
• Down Syndrome South Africa: Federated national organisation with provincial structures supporting people with Down syndrome through social work, inclusive education, and parent support—offering an analogous member-organisation delivery model to WCAPD's APD branch network.

Regional players

• Shonaquip Social Enterprise: South African social enterprise manufacturing wheelchairs and assistive devices while providing seating and rehabilitation services. Already listed as a WCAPD partner and offers a comparable model of disability services with social-enterprise revenue.

Others

• Department of Social Development (Western Cape Government): Principal funder and policy counterpart providing Skills and Work Centre subsidies and Disability programme oversight. Included as a peer given its role in shaping the funding and regulatory environment for WCAPD's programmes.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/western-cape-association-for-persons-with-disabilities

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Western Cape Association of and for Persons with Disabilities