SERVICES RESUME AT KHUSELEKA ONE STOP CENTRE IN VRYBURG

By Petrus Siko.

• Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in Vryburg has reopened after two months of safety repairs.
• The centre remains committed to delivering comprehensive services to individuals affected by gender-based violence, offering counselling, legal assistance, shelter, and healthcare to ensure both protection and empowerment for survivors.
• Established through collaboration between the Department of Social Development, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and the European Union (EU), the centre forms part of the broader Victim Empowerment Programme combating domestic violence, rape, and human trafficking.

Services have resumed at the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre in Vryburg following the lifting of a prohibition notice sanctioned by Employment and Labour Department. The state-run institution was closed for two months to allow the Department of Social Development to address the infrastructural challenges, including an overflowing drainage system, a collapsing ceiling and faulty electricity supply.
The purpose of a prohibition notice is to stop any work activity that poses an imminent risk to the health and safety of workers or the public. It serves as an enforcement measure under the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993, which is designed to protect individuals from harm in workplaces.
On the 3 September 2025, the Department of Employment and Labour revoked the prohibition notice, allowing Khuseleka centre staff to resume services for victims and survivors of gender- based violence and femicide.
Opened in 2011, the Khuseleka One-Stop Centre provides lifesaving services to survivors of gender-based violence, including psychosocial support and trauma counselling, health care, police services, legal aid, placement of children in schools, shelter services and court preparations, amongst others. The name ”Khuseleka” is derived from the Zulu word, which means protection.
The Department of Social Development established the centre in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the European Union (EU) under the Victim Empowerment Programme, which addresses crimes such as domestic violence, rape, human trafficking and sexual harassment.
Members of the community, non-profit organisations and law enforcement agencies are encouraged to use the services available at the state-run institution by referring victims who need safety and protection. Self-referrals are also welcome. The GBV Command Centre (GBVCC), administered by the National Department of Social Development, can also be used to support and guide victims of violence and abuse.
Gender Based Violence Command Centre can be reached on 0800 428 428, via Please call me at 120 7867# (supported by a USSD), or Skype: Helpme GBV (for members of the deaf community) or sending SMS: ‘help’ to 31531 (for persons with disability).