On Monday, Social Development Deputy Minister, Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu officially opened the renovated shelter for abused women in Lenasia, Johannesburg.
Bogopane-Zulu encouraged women at the shelter that, "When you leave this place one day, leave as a victor because this shelter also empowers you so that you can depend on yourselves. Do not allow the abuser to undermine and look down on you".
"In my eight years as Deputy Minister, I have worked with every investor including those who produce alcohol. We have built or renovated crèches and old age homes with the help from the private sector because the government alone will not manage", she said. Bogopane-Zulu also revealed that she too was once molested as a kid at a school for the blind.
She said as she celebrated her 50th birthday last month, she had been doing community work across the country and by the end of the month four shelters would have been renovated in honour of women.
The Distil, General Manager, Paul Breedt, said "As a company, we are delighted to partner with the department to change lives for the better. Even though we produce alcohol, we condemn reckless behaviour and encourage responsible drinking".
Representing beneficiaries Mary Nile (name change) said, "The commitment today demonstrates that we have support from both government and investors, and it could only signal better things to come".