OUR STORY
StellCare has served the communities in the Stellenbosch region for more than 100 years. Through our interventions, we have prevented and helped families from experiencing abandonment, substance abuse, and domestic violence. Here is a brief look back at our years of service.
The problems we address through the years remain the same, increasing only in intensity: poverty, substance abuse, gang violence, domestic violence, teenage pregnancy, and fractured families, to mention a few. We reach the historical mark of 100 years of existence! The name of the Organisation changed to Child Welfare South Africa: Stellenbosch; or Kindersorg Suid-Afrika: Stellenbosch during 2005. The organisation grows in stature within the greater Stellenbosch magisterial district, and extends to the Kuilsriver magisterial area, based on the standard and credibility of the services delivered by our professional staff component. The apartheid era brings with it continued threats of closure, owing to the organisation’s delivery of services to a multi-racial society. The regime was further thwarted by the establishment of subcommittees in the area to ensure that social services be delivered. Empowerment of the people through hands-on-training in all aspects leads to a very close-knit organisation in the new South Africa. The first social worker, Anne Barends, is appointed. Up until 1943, all services were rendered voluntarily. She is followed up by Mrs. Mary Samuels, who served the organisation for 44 years. In 1924 Child Welfare SA Stellenbosch and the Child Welfare South Africa national Council become affiliated. The motivation for such a society emanated from the public’s concern with the high mortality rate of children. The first employee was a district nurse whose sole purpose was to educate mothers; thereby improving the situation resulting in the decline of premature deaths. Child Welfare SA Stellenbosch, also known as “Kinder- en Gesinsorgverenging Stellenbosch”, is established on 6 June 1916.
2020
2018
2005
1948 – 1994
1943
1924
1916