Why Aftercares Are Just as Vital as Orphanages in Today’s South Africa

If you’ve searched for orphanages in Cape Town, chances are you care deeply about children who have lost parents, or who are growing up in difficult circumstances. You’re not alone… every day, people just like you reach out to see how they can help vulnerable children in our city.

But here’s something many don’t realise: while orphanages still play an important role in some cases, the landscape of child care in South Africa has changed dramatically in recent years. And it’s time we talked about why aftercare centres are just as critical as orphanages today — and in some cases, even more so.

The truth about orphaned children in South Africa

South Africa has one of the highest rates of orphanhood in the world, largely due to HIV/AIDS and poverty. But here’s an encouraging fact: the vast majority of orphaned children here are not abandoned to institutions. Instead, they are taken in by grandparents, aunts, uncles, or even older siblings.

In other words we are a nation of families who step up. Our extended families and communities hold these children close, even when it’s not easy.

But caring for a child, especially when you’re already living hand-to-mouth, is a huge challenge. Many caregivers are elderly, unemployed, or struggling with their own trauma. The children, too, often carry the heavy weight of grief, instability, and the daily realities of life in informal settlements.

That’s where aftercare centres come in.

Why aftercares matter

Aftercares like the Imizamo Yethu Learning Hub are safe, structured spaces where children can go after school each day.

We provide much more than just a place to play:
✅ A meal (for many, the only proper meal of the day)
✅ Help with homework and reading
✅ Emotional support from caring adults
✅ A chance to just be kids — in a safe, clean, positive environment

We walk alongside the families who are already doing their best… strengthening them, not replacing them. We fill in the gaps left by an overstretched education system, a lack of community resources, and the day-to-day grind of poverty.

The risk of forgetting these children

Too often, the children in these homes go unseen… they’re not in an “orphanage,” so the assumption is they’re okay. But they still carry the same heartbreak and vulnerability as children in institutions.

They are still at risk of dropping out of school.
Still at risk of abuse or neglect when caregivers are overwhelmed.
Still at risk of growing up without hope.

If we don’t invest in aftercares, we risk failing these children — and the incredible families who have already opened their hearts to them.

How you can make a difference

If you came here today looking to support an orphanage, we invite you to think bigger.

You can help children stay in families while still receiving the support, safety, and care they need to thrive.

Here are three ways you can help right now:
🌟 Volunteer your time at an aftercare centre
🌟 Sponsor a child’s place at aftercare
🌟 Donate to help us keep our doors open and our programmes running

By supporting aftercares, you’re helping to keep children in loving homes — and making sure they don’t fall through the cracks.

Let’s reimagine how we care for our children

Cape Town doesn’t just need more orphanages — it needs strong communities, strong families, and strong aftercare centres to support them.

We’re here to make that vision a reality.

Contact us to learn more about how you can be part of the story.