EFFORTS TO CURB THE SCOURGE OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE INTENSIFIED

By Ngobe Comfort

· Five additional GBV cluster houses were handed over to Mpumalanga Social Development, strengthening support infrastructure for abuse survivors.
· The Department of Social Development allocated over R27 million to 23 Victim Empowerment NPOs in 2024/25 and committed to helping others comply with NPO regulations for future support.
· The Department of Public Works is reallocating idle state properties to social causes, ensuring no shelter space goes unused while communities are in need.

Mbombela, Mpumalanga – The Department of Social Development in Mpumalanga, together with its partners, has welcomed the handover of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) shelters as a significant step in strengthening support for victims of abuse in the province.

The Khuseleka One Stop Centres, which serve as shelters for GBVF victims and vulnerable groups, were handed over to MEC for Social Development, Ms Khethiwe Moeketsi, by the Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Mr Dean Macpherson.

Accepting the properties, MEC Moeketsi stated:

“This handover represents not only an urgent response to a pressing social challenge but also a long-term investment in the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women, children, and vulnerable groups.”

For the 2024–2025 financial year, the Department of Social Development has funded 23 Victim Empowerment NPOs to the tune of R27,095,000. The latest handover of five cluster houses in Badplaas, Lothair, adds to the network of victim empowerment centres across the province:

• 10 centres in Ehlanzeni District,

• 8 in Gert Sibande, and

• 5 in Nkangala.

Repurposing Government Properties for Public Good

The strategic repurposing of state properties is aligned with broader objectives to utilise all available resources in the fight against gender-based violence. By transforming unused buildings into shelters, the government addresses the immediate need for safe spaces and contributes to long-term community resilience.

These efforts underscore a collaborative approach, wherein different government departments and NPOs work in tandem to ensure that every victim of abuse has access to essential services and support. This cooperation is pivotal in creating a network of empowerment centres that provide holistic care, encompassing physical safety and psychological and emotional support.

Minister Macpherson highlighted that the Department of Public Works is actively repurposing unused government buildings for use by departments and organisations addressing social challenges.

“Social Development departments across the country have already benefited from this initiative. No government building should lie idle while there is a pressing need for shelters and support centres,” he said.

He further urged communities to protect public infrastructure, stressing that vandalism hinders the state’s ability to deliver services effectively.

Currently, Mpumalanga has 25 Victim Empowerment Centres:

• 2 are state-owned, and

• 23 are funded by the Department of Social Development.

These centres operate 24/7 and are staffed by social workers, auxiliary workers, and caregivers.

MEC Encourages NPO Compliance

Bushbuckridge – On 13 May 2025, MEC Moeketsi visited Emmanuel Drop-In Centre, a non-funded initiative that supports vulnerable children with schoolwork, nutrition, and sports activities.

Despite not receiving funding, the MEC praised the centre’s commitment:

“What you do out of love, without remuneration, is a powerful example of community spirit. We are here to support you.”

She assured all Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs) in the province that the department would assist them in complying with the Non-Profit Organisations Act (Act 71 of 1997), increasing their chances of securing funding.

However, the MEC cautioned against opportunistic motives in forming NPOs:

“We call on those wanting to start NPOs to be driven by passion—not by money. When funding becomes the focus, it often leads to conflict, even legal battles.”

Accompanied by Bushbuckridge Chief Whip Councillor Malandule, who donated soccer equipment to the centre, the MEC personally contributed R10,000 for groceries, moved by the dedication of the staff.

The visit underscored the importance of community-driven initiatives and their impact on society’s most vulnerable members. The MEC’s encouragement for NPOs to adhere to the regulations ensures that genuine efforts can thrive and receive the necessary support.

Moreover, the donation of soccer equipment and groceries highlighted the collaborative spirit between government officials and community leaders, fostering an environment where children can grow and flourish both academically and physically.

Emmanuel Drop-In Centre’s dedication serves as a beacon of hope and a model for other non-funded initiatives, demonstrating that with passion and commitment, remarkable achievements are possible.

She concluded by reaffirming the department’s commitment to supporting grassroots organisations and advised centres to also seek support from other funding bodies.