​Gauteng Social Development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe visited gender-based violence (GBV) shelters funded by the Department in the West Rand Region last Wednesday.
Mosupyoe led a team of government officials as part of the global fight against gender-based violence spearhead by the United Nations (UN) through a Campaign titled UNiTE. The UN has declared the 25th of each month as “Orange Day.”

The team started their visitations in Toekomsrus, Randfontein, then moved to Bekkersdal and wrapped-up by visits in Simunye, where the team interacted with workers and survivors.

During the engagements Mosupyoe gave them a message of hope and encouraged them not to give up. She further encouraged the survivors to continue to have a positive outlook in life and not to allow their past to determine their future. She said as part of observing Social Development Month, the Department commits
to continue its support to fight gender-based violence and continue to protect all affected by the scourge.

MEC emphasized that the department will ensure that these shelters are inclusive to all including men and members of LGBTQIA+ community as these groups cannot continue to be marginalized. Through provision of services that are inclusive to all the department will attain social cohesion.

MEC also indicated the importance of obtaining skills that enable one to be economically viable.

“I am happy that you are being empowered here with the beauty skills. We will link you with the Beauty-Hub Academy that we launched last week at Lenasia Military Base. You will benefit from the program we have at the Academy. This programme is accredited and will ensure that you can be marketable and have skills to start your own business. As the department we want you to be financially independent as this goes a long way in breaking the cycle of abuse. We have personnel such as psychologists and social workers to assist you to rebuild your confidence”, added Mosupyoe.

The Department of Social Development provides shelter to victims of domestic violence according to the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998. All the visited shelters provide psycho-social support services to the beneficiaries of GBV and Human Trafficking.