FOUNDED 1942

Who We Are

Hospital Welfare is a community-driven NPO born out of a simple but powerful act of care. What began in a hospital ward in 1942 has grown into one of Cape Town's most enduring institutions of service.

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1942
Year Founded
80+
Years of Service
99%
Volunteer Driven
4
Core Programmes

Our Story

Hospital Welfare began at Somerset Hospital, where a small group of concerned individuals came together to ensure that Muslim patients received food that respected their dietary needs while ill and vulnerable.

What started as a compassionate response to a simple need soon grew into a broader commitment to dignity, care and social responsibility. Over time, the organisation expanded beyond hospital wards to support families during times of loss, assist with burial matters, and respond to wider social welfare needs within the community.

Service was never limited by race, creed or circumstance, it was guided by humanity. Today, Hospital Welfare continues that same spirit across education, social welfare, hospital support and inclusive Islamic education for the visually impaired.

AboutUs

1942

the year we were founded

80+

years of continuous community service

99%

volunteer-driven for over 8 decades

1000+

lives touched through our initiatives

Our Journey through time

 
 
 
 
 
1942

A Beginning Rooted in Care

Hospital Welfare is founded to support Muslim sailors at Somerset Hospital, ensuring dignity through culturally appropriate care.

 
 
 
 
 
1960s

Responding to a Changing Society

As community needs grew, so did our mandate, expanding into broader social welfare and family support.

 
 
 
 
 
1969

Education Before Liberation

Guided by the belief that education is a powerful tool for change, our education fund is launched following encouragement from progressive leaders, including the late Dr Yusuf Dadoo.

"Education was never charity - it was an investment in justice and the future"
 
 
 
 
 
1972

Opening Doors

The first bursaries are awarded to deserving students, marking a pivotal shift in our impact and identity.

 
 
 
 
 
1970s–1980s

Courage in Action

Hospital Welfare plays a critical role in challenging racially based permit systems that restricted access to higher education, working alongside universities at great risk.

 
 
 
 
 
Today

A Legacy in Motion

More than eight decades later, we continue to serve with resilience, relevance and purpose

What we do

Our work spans multiple portfolios, each grounded in dignity, care and upliftment:

Education & Youth Development

Social Welfare and Upliftment

Religious Dietary Compliance at Hospitals

Partnerships through Collaboration

Hospital Welfare is more than an organisation
It is a living legacy of service, resilience and hope.

Join Us today!