Guided by Heart, Built on Heritage

Managing a home like Lar Santa Isabel is a living testament to the strength of community, the depth of care, and the pride of heritage.
Discover the heart of our organisation – we’re making a difference, one life at a time.

Discover Lar Rainha Santa Isabel

History of the Portuguese Welfare Society of South Africa
(Sociedade de Beneficência Portuguesa)

The Portuguese Welfare Society (PWS) is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO Reg. No. 001-170), founded in 1975 by members of Academia do Bacalhau. Initially established to assist Portuguese-speaking refugees from Angola and Mozambique, PWS has grown into a vital support system for the Portuguese community in South Africa. Its focus remains on aiding the elderly, the vulnerable, and those in financial distress.

The Society is deeply rooted in the values of compassion, dignity, and community. Over the years, it has raised significant funds through partnerships with Portuguese associations, businesses, and generous individuals, both locally and internationally. These funds are used to support the operational and developmental needs of Lar Rainha Santa Isabel and other welfare initiatives.

The Portuguese Welfare Society (PWS) is proud to host the annual Magusto Festival each November, a much-anticipated celebration of Portuguese heritage, music, and community spirit. This vibrant event brings together families and friends from across Gauteng and beyond to enjoy a weekend filled with traditional Portuguese food, live music, and cultural entertainment. Guests can indulge in mouthwatering favourites such as grilled prawns, espetada, grilled chicken, prego rolls, bifanas, and our ever-popular farturas, a sweet fried pastry treat. With lively folk dancing, performances by local Portuguese bands, and an atmosphere brimming with joy and pride, the Magusto Festival is not only a highlight on the community calendar but also serves as a vital fundraising event supporting the PWS and Lar Rainha Santa Isabel.

One of PWS’s newest assets is the PWS Store, located onsite at the Home. This community store generates proceeds that are reinvested into resident activities and ongoing projects around the home.

The PWS also issues NPO certificates, Section 18A tax certificates for donations, making it a responsible and transparent partner for corporate social investment and charitable giving.

Lar Rainha Santa Isabel

Our focus remains on aiding the elderly, the vulnerable, and those in financial distress.

Compassionate and professional elderly care tailored to individual needs.

A warm, caring, Portuguese speaking community that feels like home.

commitment to dignity, independence, and social connection for all residents.

Discover Lar Rainha Santa Isabel

Some Fundraising Initiatives

Magusto Chestnut festival

The Magusto Festival is an annual celebration at Lar Rainha Santa Isabel in Johannesburg, honouring Portuguese culture and community. Since 2010, it has featured roasted chestnuts, traditional food, music, and dance. Held in November, the event also raises vital funds to support the home’s compassionate elderly care.

The PWS Community Store

The PWS Community Store is an on-site charity shop located at Lar Santa Isabel, dedicated to raising funds for our residents. All proceeds from sales go directly to our resident activity groups and improvement projects around the home.

Meet Our Board

Our Board of Directors leads with compassion and expertise, ensuring our home remains a place of dignity, care, and community for all our residents.

PWS Board