GBV support services strengthened in Cape Metro
More residents in the City of Cape Town have stepped up to join the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s (DSD) efforts to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and support those impacted by this scourge.
On 24 July 2025, the department launched its 11th GBV Ambassador programme, this time in the Metro East region, which covers Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West. 37 trained volunteers will cover these respective areas as GBV Ambassadors.
GBV ambassadors are trained volunteers who provide information about support services available to residents for the intervention and prevention of GBV.
They also do referrals of domestic violence cases to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local DSD offices in their respective areas. Some ambassadors will also volunteer at their nearest police station’s victim-friendly room.
Loyiso Damoyi from Khayelitsha said it’s important for more men to get involved in programmes like these, “As men we have a huge responsibility on our hands, because in most cases of GBV the men are the perpetrators. So we need more men to become role models in the community so I will be urging the men that I know, friends, family so that we can be part of the same fight. Because if we come together, we will be able to make a bigger impact.”
Mina Afrika from Eerste River said, “I’ve been working in the community for over 20 years, and domestic violence and GBV are rife in our areas. I hope that we can save those that need saving.”
This latest cohort of volunteers brings the total number of ambassadors to over 320.
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, and Metro South (Manenberg, Heideveld, Lavender Hill, Philippi, Steenberg, and Gugulethu).
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “When government works side-by-side with communities, we can create impactful change. These ambassadors have been powerful voices against the scourge of GBV. The launch of the Metro East GBV Ambassador Programme is another example of what is possible when residents step up to become part of the solution. By working with communities, we are building a movement of courage, accountability, and change. A movement that protects the vulnerable, challenges harmful norms, and restores dignity where it has been lost.”
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