On Friday, 07 May 2021, the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, launched two newly established safe houses, namely: Daisy Safehouse and Aalwyn Place of Safety, for victims of gender-based violence in the West Coast region.
The official launch of these safehouses are the second and third of the shelters that the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) with the support of its Non-Profit Organisation (NPO) partners, plans ARE OPENING throughout the year.
“The provision of safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence is a crucial component of the Western Cape Government's effort to ensure that there are support services for victims of gender-based violence.
“I would like to thank the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) for availing six properties in rural areas across the Western Cape to be used as safe spaces for victims of violence and abuse.
I must extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to our NPO partners, all social workers, the NPA, the SAPS, Department of Health, Community Police Forums, Neighbourhood Watches , Faith Based Organisations, communities and all other stakeholders ‘who support victims of gender-based violence, ensuring a whole of society approach, to eradicate this scourge,” added Minister Fernandez.
The provincial DSD has partnered with Siyabonga and Community Cohesion, which are NPOs that render emergency shelter accommodation to victims of crime and violence, and their children, in a crisis where their safety is at risk in the West Coast region.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) between DSD and DPWI came after the initial announcement by the National Minister of Public Works, on the 4th of March 2020, that six National Government-owned properties in the Western Cape would be made available as safe havens for women and children.
The Daisy Safehouse and Aalwyn Place of Safety are the second and third to be opened in the country, following all the respective properties made by DPWI for gender-based violence safe houses in all the Provinces.
The criteria to be admitted to the both safehouses which are situated in the West Coast are as follows:
“One woman and/or child violated, is one too many. By working together, we can have #Onevoice united against gender-based violence- 365 days of the year”, concluded, Minister Fernandez.
For more information:
We would also like to remind the public that the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre 0800 428 428 is accessible 24 hours a day, to assist with GBV cases.
We urge the public to access credible information on https://www.westerncape.gov.za/department-of-health/coronavirus
For more information about our other services, please refer to the Western Cape Department’s Website below or contact us on our hotline number on 0800 220 250, to be connected to your nearest local office.
Joshua Covenant Chigome
Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development, Minister Sharna Fernandez
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 083 661 4949