GBV Ambassadors for Cape Winelands and Overberg Regions
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) launched its 12th Gender-Based Violence Ambassador programme – this time for the Cape Winelands & Overberg regions – on the eve of National Women’s Day.
35 volunteers from Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, McGregor, and Zolani were officially welcomed as GBV Ambassadors on 8 August 2025 in Bonnievale. These residents will assist the department by providing information about support services available for 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.
Serra Nobel, a GBV Ambassador and safety parent from Bonnievale said, “Many times I’ve found that women in need don’t know where to turn to for help. A programme like this is important because now women will have greater access to resources, and hopefully we can make a change within our community where GBV will fade into the background, and no longer be as prominent.”
Langeberg Municipality Speaker Pauline Hess said, “Women’s Day is about empowering women. It is up to us as women in leadership to support and empower neglected women. We need women to stand up for themselves, but we also need so many more to become trained as GBV Ambassadors so they can stand up for others to make a real difference in society.”
This latest cohort of volunteers brings the total number of ambassadors to over 350.
GBV Ambassador programmes are already well established and operating in the Swartland municipal area, 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), and Metro East (Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West).
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “It never ceases to amaze me how many women stand up to make a meaningful difference in their communities. The majority of our GBV Ambassadors are women, highlighting the incredible contribution that women play in society – and nation-building. My hope is that one day we live in a world free of violence and abuse. But for now, I am grateful for the dedication of so many women who are helping the Western Cape Government in its efforts to strengthen support for GBV survivors and prevent the scourge.”
He added, “I do want to plead with the boys and men out there to do their part in supporting, uplifting, and protecting girls and women. Let us step up in our responsibilities, not just in words but in our actions. Thank you to all those who are already doing so. Let us work together to build a better Western Cape, and South Africa, for all – one that is equal and just.”
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
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za