Porterville gets GBV Ambassadors
The Western Cape Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Gender-Based Violence Ambassador programme is continuing to grow.
On 24 April 2025, the department launched its 9th GBV Ambassador programme, this time in Porterville, in the Bergrivier Municipality. The other GBV Ambassador programmes are operating in Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, Philippi, Heinz Park, Ceres, and Metro North (Dunoon, Bishop Lavis, Langa, Elsies River, and Fisantekraal).
GBV ambassadors are trained volunteers who provide information about support services available to residents for the intervention and prevention of GBV.
The Porterville GBV Ambassadors will support the local DSD office with referrals of domestic violence cases to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and will also volunteer at the Porterville police station’s victim-friendly room.
GBV Ambassador Natalie Coetzee said her personal experience with crime fueled her passion to get involved in the programme, “Being a GBV Ambassador means that I’m able to offer a critical service to our community and society. I have been a victim of crime myself, and I know what a victim feels and what they need. This is why I saw the opportunity and wanted to help in my community. I want to offer comfort and a friendly and caring face, and I am willing to go the extra mile for victims.”
Bergrivier Executive Mayor Ray van Rooy welcomed the initiative, “The ambassadors have a big task ahead of them as they will be the voice for those who have been suffering in silence for years. I want to encourage NGOs and residents in our communities to see where they can get involved. We need more volunteers to help us address the scourge of Gender-Based Violence. And if you know of someone experiencing abuse, do not keep quiet. Let your voice be heard.”
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt lauded the ambassadors for assisting the Western Cape Government (WCG) in its efforts to address GBV 365 days a year.
Earlier this year, the European Union (EU) found the WCG is leading the country in terms of the implementation of South Africa’s Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) on a provincial level.
Minister Londt said, “We are always looking for innovative ways to work with the province’s greatest asset – its people – when it comes to addressing social ills like GBV. The more residents who stand up and say they want to make a positive difference, the greater chance we have of seeing a safe, peaceful, and thriving society for all. This is exactly what these GBV Ambassadors have done. They have taken a stand against abuse and violence, doing their part to support victims and raise awareness about this scourge.”
He added, “Thank you to these incredible residents for walking this journey with us. Thank you also to our partners in government like the SAPS and the NGO sector for the support. And a special thank you to the Bergrivier Municipality for its investment into the GBV Ambassadors, especially councillors Adam du Plooy and Jakobus Daniels for their generous donations of resources.”
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
Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development