4TH NATIONAL SHELTER INDABA: PIONEERING SOLUTIONS FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE SURVIVORS

Precious Mupenzi

• The 4th National Shelter Indaba, hosted by the Department of Social Development in partnership with the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA), launched in Johannesburg to address the urgent need for effective shelter solutions for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) amidst the country’s ongoing DSD Month campaign.
• Under the theme “Progressive Sheltering: Strengthening Shelters in South Africa,” the initiative aims to catalyse change in the fight against GBV by aligning with the National Strategic Plan’s key pillars, as highlighted in an opening address by Mr. Sibusiso Malope, Director of Victim Empowerment.
• The Indaba brings together government, civil society, and policymakers to discuss innovations in shelter services and community engagement, reinforcing the call for a collaborative approach to enhance support for survivors and combat GBV effectively.

The Department of Social Development, in partnership with the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA), initiated the 4th National Shelter Indaba in Sandton, Johannesburg. This significant initiative coincides with the Department’s month-long campaign, DSD Month, which reflects on and showcases its programmes and services. As the nation celebrates 30 years of democracy, it also confronts persistent challenges that threaten these gains, particularly the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV), which President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a pandemic.

Under the theme “Progressive Sheltering: Strengthening Shelters in South Africa,” this year’s indaba seeks to drive meaningful change in the fight against GBV by focusing on key pillars of the National Strategic Plan.

Mr. Sibusiso Malope, Director of Victim Empowerment and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence within the Department of Social Development, delivered a powerful opening address, highlighting the urgent need for effective shelter solutions for survivors of GBV. “Addressing gender-based violence is not just a moral imperative; it is a critical human rights issue that affects the well-being of individuals and the stability of our communities,” Malope stated.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), globally, about 1 in 3 women (30%) have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, predominantly from intimate partners. The statistics underscore the severity of the issue. In Eastern and Southern Africa, this figure rises to 42%, which not only impacts individual survivors but also hinders family and community development, costing economies up to 4% of GDP, as reported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). “This crisis represents a fundamental violation of human rights and poses significant barriers to women’s participation in education and the labour market,” Malope emphasised.

He outlined the pivotal role of shelters in providing immediate safety and comprehensive support services. “Shelters offer more than just a safe haven; they are essential in delivering trauma-informed counselling, legal assistance, and life skills training, which empower survivors to rebuild their lives,” he explained.

Malope stressed that effective shelter programmes must include features such as secure locations, community integration, and cultural competence. He particularly highlighted the need for inclusive policies that ensure accessibility for marginalised populations, including LGBTQI individuals. “We must ensure that our services are sensitive to the diverse backgrounds and needs of all survivors,” he said.

In addition, he emphasised the importance of staff training, noting that personnel should be trained in trauma-informed practices to meet the unique needs of survivors. “Well-trained staff are crucial for providing high-quality care and support,” he added.

Malope also discussed the significance of data-driven practices, stating that regular monitoring and evaluation of shelter programmes are essential for improving services and ensuring accountability. “By collecting and analysing data, we can better understand the effectiveness of our interventions and adapt to the needs of survivors,” he explained.

Recent developments in policies and community responses to gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa reflect the government’s commitment to addressing this pressing issue through a multifaceted approach. The Trafficking in Persons Act (TiP) aims to combat human trafficking, which often intersects with GBV, providing a legal framework to protect vulnerable individuals. Additionally, the Domestic Violence Act (DVA) has been strengthened to enhance protections for survivors, ensuring they can access immediate support and legal recourse. The Sexual Offences Act (SORMA) and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act have also been revised to impose stricter penalties on perpetrators, reinforcing the message that GBV will not be tolerated.

Malope emphasised the importance of these legislative frameworks, stating, “Robust laws are essential, but they must be accompanied by community-driven responses to be truly effective. Programmes like the Victim Support Services (VSS) and the National Gender-Based Violence Strategy (NGBV) are critical for ensuring that survivors receive holistic support.” He highlighted that community initiatives, including awareness campaigns and local support networks, play a vital role in shifting societal attitudes toward GBV.

“Engaging communities is key to prevention,” Malope noted, “as it fosters a culture of respect and accountability, ultimately contributing to the safety and empowerment of all individuals.”

The two-day Indaba features keynote addresses, panel discussions, and opportunities for collaboration among government departments, Chapter 9 institutions, and civil society organisations, policymakers, and advocates. Topics include innovations in shelter services, mental health support for survivors, and community engagement strategies. “This conference is a call to action for all of us to work collaboratively in creating safer communities,” Malope concluded.

As participants engage in discussions and share best practices over the two-day initiative, the NSMSA aims to develop actionable strategies to enhance shelter services for survivors of GBV, reinforcing the importance of a survivor-centred approach in responding to this pervasive issue.