The effectiveness of non-governmental organizations in enhancing social welfare services: A case study of SOS Children’s Village

Abstract

This study examines the role of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in enhancing social welfare services, with a specific focus on the SOS Children’s Village in the Eastern Cape province. A qualitative research methodology was employed, using semi-structured interviews with seven participants, which included staff members, caregivers, and local stakeholders involved with the organisation. The collected data was thematically analysed, allowing for the identification of significant patterns in areas such as service delivery, collaboration with government entities, and the challenges encountered by the organisation. The findings indicate that SOS Children’s Village plays a crucial role in bridging the gaps left by public welfare systems, providing comprehensive care that includes education, psychosocial support, and family strengthening initiatives. The study also identified several challenges, including funding instability, insufficient policy support, and coordination issues with government departments. In light of these findings, the study recommends the establishment of formal service-level agreements between NGOs and government agencies; such agreements would clarify roles and responsibilities, facilitate improved collaboration, and enhance service delivery. The study recommends developing diversified funding strategies and capacity-building initiatives to ensure the long-term sustainability of NGOs’ welfare programs. Therefore, this study contributes to scholarship by providing an in-depth understanding of how non-governmental organisations, particularly SOS Children’s Village in the Eastern Cape, enhance social welfare service delivery within South Africa’s mixed welfare system. It enriches existing literature by highlighting the critical intermediary role NGOs play in bridging service gaps left by public institutions and fostering child-centered, community-based care.