A HAVEN FOR GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND FEMICIDE VICTIMS IN KWANOKUTHULA

By Lesego Ranchu

• Former Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) beneficiaries are now leading community programmes and creating new support networks.
• Training in business development, digital literacy and licensing is enabling economic participation for vulnerable women.
• ⁠National Development Agency (NDA) support is strengthening both social services and local economic initiatives, including small-scale farming cooperatives.

KwaNokuthula, Plettenberg Bay, 20 February 2026. In the heart of KwaNokuthula stands a beacon of hope for survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The Bitou Women of Change (BWC) centre has become a safe space where healing, empowerment and economic opportunity intersect to support vulnerable women and families in the community.
With funding support from the National Development Agency (NDA), an entity of the Department of Social Development (DSD), the organisation recently renovated its administrative offices and trauma counselling centre to ensure greater privacy and dignity for clients seeking support. Beyond counselling services, BWC provides skills development opportunities that equip women with practical tools for independence, including computer literacy, business development training and assistance in obtaining learner’s and driver’s licences.
Minister of Social Development, Ms Nokuzola Sisisi Tolashe, visited the facility as part of her ongoing Integrated Social Development Portfolio Outreach Programme, which assesses the impact and responsiveness of services delivered to communities. During the visit, the Minister engaged directly with staff, beneficiaries and local stakeholders to understand how integrated social development initiatives are transforming lives on the ground.
The visit underscored compelling narratives of resilience. One individual who participated in the organisation’s skills development programme now holds the position of coordinator for the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), assisting others throughout their recovery processes. Additionally, another beneficiary, guided by mentorship from BWC, founded the Joy Community Development Project in Kranshoek—an initiative dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations and implementing a Safe School programme.
“I am no longer a victim of GBFV. Today, I am a motivational speaker and business owner. Through the NDA, I obtained my driver’s licence, and now I support others through the VEP in partnership with the police,” said Ms Liseka Bibili, reflecting on her journey of healing and empowerment.
Minister Tolashe commended the organisation for fostering community-led solutions that empower women economically and socially.
“I am encouraged to see women empowering other women — uplifting one another and creating employment opportunities. This centre is serving a meaningful purpose in the community, and we must continue guiding interventions that strengthen technical skills and expand job creation,” said the Minister.
The oversight visit also provided an opportunity for engagement with Bitou’s small-scale farmers, who shared how NDA support helped formalise their operations and secure permits from the Department of Fisheries. The farmers are now working towards establishing a secondary cooperative to strengthen their collective capacity to supply produce sustainably.
Welcoming the progress made by both survivors and community initiatives, Minister Tolashe reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to integrated social development approaches that promote safety, dignity and sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable groups.