GBV SHELTER RECEIVES FIRE DETECTORS AND SOLAR LIGHTS

Eastern Corridor Director Phumla Nkosi, VEP Director Pearl Moabelo and DD Teboho Photo from COGTA Fire Services handing over fire detectors and solar lights

By Phetoho Maja

• A government partnership between the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the provincial Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services has provided much-needed fire detectors and portable solar lights for a women’s shelter in Springs.
• As part of the national 16 Days of Activism campaign, staff at the shelter for abused women and children also received certificates for completing various emergency training programmes.
• The solar lights, fire detectors, and staff training all support compliance with registration processes and improve the overall safety and quality of care at the shelter.

A shelter for abused women and children in Ekurhuleni was given much needed safety equipment from the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the Ekurhuleni Emergency Management Services, as part of the 16 Days of Activism campaign.

The shelter, located in Selection Park, in Springs, received 20 fire detectors and portable solar lights during a handover event on Tuesday, 10 December 2024.

In addition, staff members were awarded certificates for completing their training in basic fire-fighting, first aid, and evacuation procedures.

Speaking at the event, Pearl Moabelo, Director of Social Crime Prevention and Victim Empowerment (VEP) at the Gauteng Department of Social Development, highlighted the importance of the partnership, which began in 2022.

“Our shelters benefit greatly from compliance support and staff training. This partnership began during the challenges of load-shedding, making solar lights a critical resource to prevent shelters from being left in darkness,” said Moabelo.

She emphasised the importance of the fire detectors in ensuring the safety of residents during emergencies. “These fire detectors will enable us to quickly detect fires and evacuate residents. The partnership has yielded positive results, and in each financial year, we aim to support at least two facilities with these resources,” she added.

Moabelo also noted the broader impact of the initiative, stating: “These contributions, including solar lights, fire detectors, and staff training, support compliance with registration processes while improving the overall safety and quality of care provided at the facility.”

Phumla Nkosi, the department’s Eastern Corridor Regional Director, provided an overview of the shelter’s purpose and services, describing it as a sanctuary for women and children facing abuse.

“The department funds the shelter (which can) accommodate 26 beneficiaries for up to six months during crises. Residents receive counselling, psychotherapy, and access to skills development programmes. This holistic approach ensures that they leave the shelter empowered,” said Nkosi.

She added: “Our goal is for individuals who come this shelter to leave with skills and hope for the future, breaking the cycle of dependency.”

Lebo Moeti, a representative from the province’s Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, lauded the multi-sectoral collaboration, emphasising the importance of cooperation between government departments.

“Government departments should not compete but rather complement and support one another. This partnership is a shining example of that,” said Moeti.

The event highlighted the ongoing commitment of all stakeholders to improve the safety and empowerment of vulnerable groups, creating a model of sustainable and collaborative development.