More GBV Ambassadors for Cape Town Metro
The end of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign does not mean the end of the Western Cape Government’s (WCG) efforts to address Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in all its forms.
Throughout this period the WCG – with the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) taking the lead – has called on residents to amplify their voice, by speaking out against abuse and domestic violence and speaking up for victims who may not be able to do so.
The Department also puts these words into action with its interventions and support services for victims of GBV.
One of these ways is through its GBV Ambassador Programme, a model that has trained volunteers from communities assisting DSD staff in raising awareness about GBV support services and by referring victims to the Department for further support.
On 10 December 2024, Provincial Minister Jaco Londt, launched the seventh GBV Ambassador Programme in the province. This one is for the Cape Metro North region, which covers Dunoon, Bishop Lavis, Langa, Elsies River, and Fisantekraal. The other programmes are in Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, Philippi, Heinz Park, and Ceres.
The 40 Metro North volunteers bring the total number of GBV Ambassadors to 169 across the different areas.
“We always complain and I thought to myself, why not do something about it? This is such great empowerment and such a great initiative from the Western Cape Government. We’re going to make a difference together,” said GBV Ambassador and Social Auxiliary Worker, Joy Titus.
Another GBV Ambassador, Dawn Marcus, approached Minister Londt at a WCG Open Government session a few months ago, asking how she can help in her community.
Ms Marcus said, “Minister encouraged me to get involved in my local DSD office. One thing led to another, and now I’m an ambassador and I can speak for my people. I am representing them, and I want them to know there’s someone in the community they can trust and talk to.”
“We need more people like Dawn Marcus who want to be actively involved in making a difference in their communities. These programmes were established over a period of two years, with four of them being established this year. It is an incredible feat when one thinks of all the work the DSD social workers put into these programmes. They must identify and find willing residents to participate, train them, and also provide trauma counselling, to ensure they are equipped to deal with the work. They also work with partners such as NGOs, the South African Police Service (SAPS), and municipalities. The staff do this work over and above their daily high caseload and other work. Thank you to them for always going the extra mile to show that we are a government that cares,” said Minister Londt.
“Our social workers and NGO partners need all the help they can get. Our committed and tenacious GBV Ambassadors offer much-needed assistance to them to better serve our residents and to take to the message that we will never stand for GBV or any form of violence across our province. I applaud our Ambassadors and social workers for all they do throughout the year. Their work is difficult. But each day they step up, all with the aim of making The Western Cape a more caring, safer province where everyone is given the chance to prosper,” added Premier Alan Winde.
The provincial Department of Social Development funds 21 social service organisations and 25 shelters that provide support for victims of GBV, and their children.
To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV victims, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/victim-empowerment-programme
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Media enquiries:
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry
Department of Social Development