MINISTER ZULU LAUNCHES KHUSELEKA ONE-STOP CENTRE.

• The Minister of Social Development, Ms. Lindiwe Zulu, launched the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Cape Town, marking a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence and providing enhanced support for survivors.

• The Saartjie Baartman Centre, celebrating its 25th anniversary, has been a refuge for countless women and children escaping abusive relationships. The new Khuseleka One-Stop Centre is part of a broader initiative to expand support services nationwide, in line with the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

• Minister Zulu highlighted recent legislative progress, including the signing of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill into law, and announced additional funding and resources for the Centre, emphasising the importance of grassroots advocacy and the ongoing need for activism to create meaningful change.

By Pricilla Seamelando

Today marked a significant milestone in the fight against gender-based violence as the Minister of Social Development, Ms. Lindiwe Zulu, officially launched the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre at the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children in Manenberg, Cape Town. In her opening remarks, Minister Zulu expressed her gratitude to Adv Bernadine Bachar for extending the invitation and commended the relentless efforts of the managers, staff, and volunteers at the Saartjie Baartman Centre.

“Your tireless work in supporting women and children who have endured the harrowing effects of gender-based violence is truly commendable,” Minister Zulu stated. Reflecting on her visit to the Centre the previous week, Minister Zulu shared her first-hand experience of the impactful work being done.

“I witnessed the dedication of the Saartjie Baartman Centre in restoring the dignity of survivors and aiding them in their journey to recovery and rebuilding their lives,” she noted.

The Centre, which celebrates its 25th anniversary today, has been a refuge for countless women and children escaping abusive relationships. “For twenty-five years, the Saartjie Baartman Centre has been at the forefront of providing safety and support, helping survivors live free from violence and fear,” Minister Zulu said.

Acknowledging the persistent challenge of gender-based violence, Minister Zulu emphasized the importance of continued advocacy and support. “While we have made significant strides, there is still much work to be done. The recent tragic events remind us of the urgent need to address this societal issue,” she urged. The launch of the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre is part of a broader initiative to expand support services across the country.

“The Khuseleka One-Stop Centre we are launching today is one of four being expanded nationwide as part of our mandate for the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” Minister Zulu announced. Highlighting the recent legislative progress, she remarked on the signing of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide Bill into law by President Cyril Ramaphosa. “This legislation is a testament to the power of grassroots advocacy. When frontline organizations like the Saartjie Baartman Centre make their voices heard, our Government listens,” she affirmed.

Minister Zulu also revealed that the Saartjie Baartman Centre has met all requirements for accreditation as a Khuseleka One-Stop Centre and will receive additional funding from the Criminal Assets Recovery Account (CARA) to enhance service delivery. “I am pleased to announce a donation of motor vehicles and R500,000 from the CARA Fund for the renovation of this facility,” she added.

Concluding her address, Minister Zulu paid tribute to the survivors present. “Your courageous stories of survival and recovery are a resounding message that it is never too late to leave an abusive relationship. Activism is not just about raising awareness; it is about creating meaningful change and offering support to those in need,” she emphasized.

The event culminated with the official launch of the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre and the presentation of certificates of recognition to Adv Bernadine Bachar and her dedicated team, marking a new chapter in the fight against gender-based violence in South Africa.