Thuthuzela Care Centres a haven for GBV victims

On 08 August 2024, Western Cape Ministers of Social Development, and Health and Wellness, Jaco Londt and Mireille Wenger, visited two Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCC) in Wynberg and Stellenbosch. They were joined by the National Prosecuting Authority’s (NPA) Special Director of the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs unit, Advocate Bonnie Currie-Gamwo.

A total of nine Thuthuzela Care Centres are operational across the province, with a tenth one to be opened later this month in Mitchells Plain.

“Collective coordinated interventions are needed to address the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV). Public-private partnerships are crucial to ensure the sustainability of TCCs. We want to make TCCs more accessible by having more of these facilities in communities, and for that we need private sector support,” said Advocate Currie-Gamwo.

This visit comes ahead of Women’s Day when South Africa commemorates the sacrifice of thousands of women in fighting against apartheid laws.

“Today, unfortunately, many women are facing battles that hinder their freedom in various ways. When women are abused or experience violence, their dignity is taken away and their lives are placed in danger. The Western Cape Government (WCG) is fully committed to supporting victims and survivors and to protect their dignity,” said Provincial Minister Londt.

Supporting a TCC is one of the ways WCG does this. These centres are one-stop facilities that provide psychosocial, medical, and legal services to victims of GBV. The initiative is driven by the NPA.

The Provincial Departments of Social Development (DSD) and Health and Wellness (WCGHW) provide support for this joint initiative, which involves other stakeholders like the Justice and Correctional Services Department, the South African Police Service, NGOs such as Stellcare, Rape Crisis, Community Cohesion, and the Ring for Peace Cape Trust, and the private sector.

“Defeating GBV is not the job of just one department, agency or NGO. It requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach as demonstrated by these incredible TCCs. The coordinated services provided at these centres ensure that victims are cared for and improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to bring offenders to justice,” said Provincial Minister Wenger.

The visits to the TCCs were a first for both Provincial Ministers in their new roles. The Stellenbosch TCC was officially launched in April this year. It is the first TCC not situated on hospital premises and has emergency overnight facilities onsite.

Since 2019, over 21 000 people per year have received psychosocial support from TCCs and DSD-supported GBV shelters in the Western Cape.

“There are many more women facing abuse daily who do not report it out of fear, or they withdraw a case for the same reason. I encourage community members to look out for one another and report these cases, but also support survivors. This week we launched a GBV Ambassador programme in Grabouw, where more than a dozen residents have volunteered to be our eyes and ears in their communities to help end the scourge of GBV. We need more people to stand up and make a difference, including companies who can take hands with us to expand these support services,” said Provincial Minister Londt.

For information on DSD services, please call our toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development local office. You can also visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development