The Society is a Non-Governmental organisation based in the Pinetown Magisterial District. It started informally in 1931 with a group of women who recognized a need for a Child Welfare Society in Pinetown. Donations in cash or kind were utilized to help people in dire need. In 1932, the Society became affiliated to the National Council. From the beginning, concerned people were involved not only o
n offering material relief but in Child protection. Their concern was for families of all races despite prevailing attitudes in the country at large. The Organisation functioned only with the assistance of the volunteers until 1969 when the Society appointed its first professional Social Worker. The high rate of unemployment in the 1980’s saw hundreds of families approaching the Society for help. Community Development workers initiated income generating projects to assist families. The Society has a full team of Social Workers, Development and Administrative staff that continue to work with women, children and youth. With the onset of the HIV/AIDS epidemic the Society has actively taken on the challenge despite the added pressure on already overburdened staff. Awareness campaigns, foster care and adoption placements for the vulnerable children have become the major focus of the services.
