ENSURING SAFETY AND DIGNITY: THE IMPORTANCE OF SHELTER COMPLIANCE IN SOUTH AFRICA

By Pricilla Seamelando.

• A crucial aspect in the fight against gender-based violence and human trafficking is ensuring that shelters for survivors are compliant.
• This was the central topic of a panel discussion held in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, recently.
• Issues raised during the discussion included tight registration timelines, which require facilities to meet certain standards within 12 months, and access to funds and resources.

The warm, relaxing sunshine outside presented a stark contrast to the serious discussion on providing refuge for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking taking place inside the meeting venue in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni.

A panel of experts gathered to discuss shelter compliance – a crucial component in providing refuge and support to survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking in South Africa.

The director of the Victim Empowerment Programme in the Department of Social Development, Sibusiso Malope, put the panellists at ease as he led the panel, creating an environment that allowed for openness and the sharing of views.

Despite the gravity of the topic, the discussion was informative and engaging, with a touch of lightheartedness.

One of the challenges facing shelters was the conditional registration process, which requires facilities to meet certain standards within a 12-month period.

However, this timeframe can be restrictive, and financial implications can be significant. As a result, some facilities struggle to meet compliance requirements, and new non-profit organisations (NPOs) entering the scene face challenges in accessing funding and resources.

The issue of fundraising was also a major concern, with suggestions including NPOs exploring alternative funding models. Discussants noted that currently, the cake was not big enough for all. The increasing number of new NPOs entering the scene puts pressure on existing resources, making it essential to find different ways to support them.

A presentation by the Department of Monitoring and Evaluation highlighted the need for a comprehensive approach to shelter compliance, with clear regulations and guidelines for organisations to follow, including ensuring shelters have the necessary infrastructure, resources, and capacity to provide quality services to survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking.

Issues raised regarding shelter compliance included:
•⁠ ⁠Registration and licensing requirements;
•⁠ ⁠Staff training and capacity building programmes;
•⁠ ⁠Service delivery standards and protocols;
•⁠ ⁠Infrastructure and resource development plans;
•⁠ ⁠Community engagement and awareness strategies;
•⁠ ⁠Staff training and capacity building;
•⁠ ⁠Infrastructure and resource development;
•⁠ ⁠Service delivery and quality assurance; and
•⁠ ⁠Community engagement and awareness.

“In my perspective, the key matter is that compliance is a two-way process,” Malope noted. Compliance is important for both the NPOs and the Department of Social Development.

“Compliance is also solidifying the partnership. When we talk compliance, we’re not only talking compliance from civil society, but it’s compliance from both sides.”

The department had to deliver on the service level agreements signed with the NPOs, and at the same time, the NPOs had to reciprocate on their end, Malope added.

By prioritising shelter compliance, South Africa can ensure that survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking receive the support and care they deserve.