About Us

Together in service of the community - 111 years’ knowledge and experience

With more than 111 years’ knowledge and experience the ACVV remains committed to protect and nurture children, their families and older persons.

History

The ACVV was established on 1 September 1904 in Cape Town by a group of women who wished to offer practical assistance to those affected by the Anglo Boer War.  From these humble beginnings the ACVV’s services have grown and transformed from emergency relief, primary health care and educational services to comprehensive social work and child protection services for children and older persons.  Over decades we have expanded our footprint from a few women to one of the largest welfare organisations in South Africa.

Organisational Structure

The ACVV is people-centered and committed to a democratic structure that allows the input of the community at highest level:

  • The ACVV has 115 branches/service branches registered as separate non-profit organisations (NPO’s) operating as independent financial units affiliated to the national body.  These branches are governed by volunteers and act as employers.
  • Most ACVV branches manage and operate more than one service program.
  • ACVV policies and strategy are determined by the ACVV Congress which takes place every three years.  Each ACVV branch has voting power at the Congress.
  • The ACVV National Council consists of 24 women, representing the ACVV’s affiliates.  The National Council executes functions at national level, such as policy, networking, strategy, norms and standards for service delivery and capacity building of staff and volunteers.
  • The decisions of ACVV National Council are operationalized on national level by ACVV Head Office situated in Cape Town.  The Head Office consists of 10 staff members who render extensive support services to the ACVV’s affiliates, influence policy and monitors implementation of service standards.
  • 16 middle managers are employed by the ACVV National Council and decentralized in the respective regions and service areas.  They specialize in supervision and consultation with social work practitioners and guide and support management committees and staff.

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