DSD strengthens GBV programmes as 16 Days draws to a close
The 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children campaign may have concluded, but the Western Cape Government (WCG) continues with its efforts to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
With 21 GBV Ambassador Programmes now operating around the province, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) is strengthening support services for GBV survivors. This includes raising awareness in communities to encourage residents to work with us in creating a safer, more peaceful society.
The department also funds 21 social service organisations that provide services at critical entry points like the Thuthuzela Care Centres, courts and SAPS victim friendly rooms. There are also 28 social workers in dedicated GBV posts, working in local DSD offices across the province.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “We now have 21 GBV Ambassador programmes in different areas across the Western Cape. That’s over 860 residents who have volunteered to be change agents in their communities. We have heard many stories of ambassadors stepping in to assist someone who has been abused, walking a journey with them to healing and resilience. Just by walking down the streets wearing their bright orange sash, they are sending a clear message that there are residents standing up against domestic abuse and violence, and that there is help for those who need it.”
During the 16 days of activism, the department launched 6 new GBV Ambassador programmes in different areas across the province: Breede Valley, Atlantis, Drakenstein, Stellenbosch, Garden Route, and Overberg. It also welcomed more residents to the existing Metro North programme.
Ambassadors are trained volunteers that assist DSD in raising awareness in their communities about support services available to survivors of abuse and domestic violence. They also assist survivors to find the necessary support from the relevant authorities.
On 9 December, the latest ambassador programme was launched in Overberg, with 72 residents from various areas joining (Theewaterskloof, Overstrand, Swellendam, and Cape Agulhas).
“My hope is to give voice to the voiceless, to reach those who are trapped in cycles of abuse. Those who feel scared or helpess, to give them an opportunity so they may live life to the fullest,” said Gerhard Swanepoel, a Swellendam GBV Ambassador.
Another ambassador from Grabouw, Candice Kortje said, “I became an ambassador to help my community, especially the little children who need to be kept safe. I just want to change my community.”
GBV Ambassador programmes are now operating in:
- Swartland
- Delft
- Grabouw
- Philippi
- Heinz Park
- Ceres
- Central Karoo district
- Cape Metro North (Dunoon, Bishop Lavis, Langa, Elsies River, and Fisantekraal)
- Berg River
- Metro South (Manenberg, Mitchells Plain, Heideveld, Wynberg, Lavender Hill, Philippi, Steenberg, Retreat, and Gugulethu)
- Metro East (Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West)
- Cape Winelands region (Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, McGregor, and Zolani)
- Klein Karoo (Oudtshoorn, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Dysselsdorp, and Zoar)
- Matzikama
- Cederberg
- Breede Valley
- Atlantis
- Drakenstein
- Stellenbosch
- Garden Route
“The work doesn’t stop here now that 16 Days of Activism is over. For us, this activism is 24/7 for 365 days of every year. Through the department’s Victim Empowerment Programme, we fund 26 shelters in the province that provide safe accommodation for women and children affected by Gender Based Violence. The shelter services also include therapeutic support of a social worker and access to skills development courses to become economically independent. Last week we officially opened the 27th shelter, this time for men and LGBTQIA+ persons,” said Minister Londt.
He added, “I wish to caution people, especially the youth, to be vigilant of criminal networks that traffic in persons. These tend to surge during the festive season. Online job scams are often used to lure young people. Please be extra vigilant when responding to online jobs ads - double-check, do your research and consider taking a support person along with you for any initial meetings. As government, we are working with various agencies to combat trafficking, but we need everyone to be extra cautious. Over 300 Western Cape traffic law enforcement officers have been trained on Trafficking in Persons in a joint effort by DSD and the Western Cape Mobility Department. These officers will be monitoring our roads for any suspicious activity.”
To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV survivors, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit: western-cape-directory-of-services-for-victims-of-crime-and-violence-2023_0.pdf
Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za