FROM SURVIVAL TO EMPOWERMENT: THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF SHELTERS
By Mashudu Mzimba
At the 2024 Shelter Indaba, the resounding theme was hope, a beacon for those affected by gender-based violence (GBV). Fikile Thusi’s story is a testament to the transformative power of shelters and support systems.
Born in 1968 in Palm Springs, Gauteng, Fikile’s life took a tragic turn at 14 when she was raped. Her abuser, who later became her husband, abducted her two years later through the harmful practice of Ukuthwala.
Fikile endured years of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. The trauma of her experiences, coupled with an early pregnancy, cut short her childhood. “This marked the beginning of a nightmare,” she recalls. “My father had just passed away. I suffered abuse from my mother-in-law and so-called husband.”
Her husband’s infidelity and abandonment further exacerbated her pain. “Two years later, he returned, taking me to Johannesburg with his child from another woman.”
A turning point came when a neighbour introduced her to the National Shelter Movement (NISAA), an institute that provides comprehensive support services to women and children affected by GBV.
Through counselling at the shelter, Fikile began to recognise the abuse and take control of her life. She was empowered to identify the signs of an abusive marriage. With the support of social workers, she became stronger. “I stood up to my husband and I was not afraid. He eventually took the child back to the mother,” she says triumphantly.
With their guidance, she completed her matric, studied Social Auxiliary Work at UNISA, and graduated in 2011.
Her newfound strength enabled her to identify her purpose: to pay it forward. Through NIISA’s support, she further developed herself and completed the NISAA’s Basic Advanced Counselling Course. “Today, I work full-time at NISAA in Orange Farm, Gauteng, as a Social Auxiliary Worker. I share my story through awareness talks and motivational speaking to help GBV victims,” said Fikile Thusi.
Ms Thusi emphasised that GBV is a complex issue that requires everyone to take action, especially in our communities. She said government cannot do it alone. “We need a sustainable, community-based approach that will empower women and children to break free from violence and rebuild their lives.”
As the 2024 Shelter Indaba concluded, the collective commitment to strengthening shelters and supporting GBV survivors remained unwavering. By addressing the unique needs and challenges faced by survivors, stakeholders pledged to continue finding solutions to provide holistic, survivor-centered support that promotes healing, self-empowerment, and long-term recovery.