NDA SUPPORTS COMMUNITY PROJECTS TO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN LIMPOPO

By Mukondeleli Makhwathane

• The National Development Agency (NDA) took part in an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme in the Makhututhamaga Local Municipality in Limpopo to improve access to social services in underserved communities.
• The outreach highlighted the work of the Jane Furse Victim Empowerment Programme, which provides shelter, counselling, and support to survivors of gender-based violence.
• Partnerships between the NDA and community organisations aim to strengthen protection for vulnerable groups and promote safer communities.

Consolidating its efforts to support the most vulnerable in society, South Africa’s National Development Agency (NDA) took part in an Integrated Community Registration Outreach Programme in Limpopo.

The outreach programme, led by the Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, was held in Mamone in the Makhututhamaga Local Municipality.

The Integrated Community Registration Outreach Program aims to improve access to government services, particularly social services, in underserved communities.

During the programme, the NDA hosted an exhibition alongside the Jane Furse Victim Empowerment Programme, a community-based organisation committed to supporting victims of gender-based violence.

Established in 2010 and run by seven dedicated women, the Jane Furse Victim Empowerment Programme was founded by Grace Dikotobe after she witnessed the growing abuse of women and young girls in the community.

In addition to the exhibit, Dikotobe also spoke to participants of the outreach programme about the work of the organisation and the important role it plays in supporting victims of gender-based violence in the community.

The centre works closely with the Jane Furse Police Station and provides temporary shelter for victims of gender-based violence, offering a safe space for up to three days to allow survivors time to make informed decisions about their next steps.

The organisation also provides extended accommodation in special cases.

In addition, it supports victims of domestic violence, child rape and child neglect, while also conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns and community events to educate residents on gender-based violence prevention.

Lebogang Dikotobe, who has been working at the centre since 2020, is a trained victim empowerment programme counsellor and holds a legal diploma.

She believes that strengthening the justice system and supporting survivors are key steps toward reducing crime and violence in the community.

Through partnerships with organisations like this, the NDA continues to support community-driven initiatives that protect vulnerable groups and promote safer communities.