DSD boosts support for GBV survivors in Theewaterskloof & Klein Karoo
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has concluded Women’s Month by further strengthening support services for survivors of abuse and domestic violence.
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the biggest scourges facing women in South Africa. The Western Cape Government remains committed to not only addressing its root causes but supporting those impacted by it.
Caledon House of Hope
On 28 August 2025, DSD announced that it will be funding the Caledon House of Hope, a shelter for survivors of GBV. The department is partnering with the Theewaterskloof Municipality and NGO, Reconnect Youth Development, on this initiative.
The department will be providing over R830 000 during the 2025/2026 financial year to the 10-bedspace facility, which will provide temporary shelter and support services to survivors of abuse and domestic violence.
Theewaterskloof Executive Mayor Lincoln de Bruyn said, “I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Western Cape Department of Social Development, our partners in government and all private sector partners and volunteers who continue to stand with us in the fight against GBV. Your commitment shows that when we work together, we can truly make a difference. Through our partnerships, we are strengthening our collective ability to protect, empower, and restore hope.”
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “Through this partnership, we will ensure that trained social workers and support staff are equipped to meet the complex needs of survivors, and that they receive the necessary counseling, access to legal services, skills development, and reintegration services.”
Klein Karoo GBV Ambassador Programme
On 29 August, the department launched its 13th GBV Ambassador programme in Calitzdorp, to service the Klein Karoo. The event included an awareness drive in the streets of Calitzdorp, providing information on GBV support services.
17 residents from Oudtshoorn, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Dysselsdorp, and Zoar, have volunteered to assist DSD by providing information about support services available to survivors of abuse and domestic violence and will help in raising awareness in their communities.
They will also do referrals of domestic violence cases to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local DSD offices. Some ambassadors will also volunteer at their nearest police station’s victim-friendly room.
GBV Ambassador programmes are already well established and operating in:
- Swartland
- Delft
- Grabouw
- Philippi
- Heinz Park
- Ceres
- Central Karoo district
- Cape Metro North (Dunoon, Bishop Lavis, Langa, Elsies River, and Fisantekraal)
- Berg River
- Metro South (Manenberg, Heideveld, Lavender Hill, Philippi, Steenberg, and Gugulethu)
- Metro East (Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West)
- Cape Winelands and Overberg regions (Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, McGregor, and Zolani)
GBV Ambassador Jo-Elzette Willemse from Dysselsdorp said, “I want to help people, but I never knew where to go or how to do it. That is why I became a GBV Ambassador. I believe this programme will help improve things in my town, and that we’ll be able to help many people in the community.”
Minister Londt said, “These two initiatives are an answer to the pleas of communities in the Overberg and Klein Karoo respectively, for more support for GBV survivors. The Western Cape Government is a government that listens, that cares, and more importantly: that puts into action solutions that involve all role-players. It is thanks to partnerships with municipalities, government departments, NGOs, and residents that we can make an impact when it comes to social ills like GBV. We need businesses to also get involved in making a difference that will lead to restoring or protecting the dignity and safety of vulnerable residents, and ultimately making communities safer.”
To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV victims, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/victim-empowerment-programme
Media enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development