Madali Chibambu
​Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), is stepping up its efforts to enhance safety in Gender-Based Violence (GBV) shelters.
Through the Social Crime Prevention and Victim Empowerment Programs, the two departments have pledged to provide essential fire safety support to two GBV shelters in the province.
For the 2024/25 financial year, the identified shelter in Bronkhorstspruit and Springs will receive crucial fire safety compliance upgrades. These upgrades will include the installation of smoke alarm detectors, distribution of solar lights, and the provision of basic first aid training. The selection of these shelters aligns with the TISH program's priorities.
Pearl Moabelo, Director of Victim Empowerment Programs (VEP) at the Gauteng Department of Social Development, expressed her gratitude to CoGTA for their partnership. "We are pleased with the commitment they made in providing training to our staff members and GBV survivors in basic first aid," said Moabelo.
Rudo Mahusa, Social Work Manager in one of the shelters, expressed her enthusiasm for the support. "As a GBV shelter committed to compliance, we are thrilled to be one of the shelters chosen to receive smoke alarm detectors as part of safety measures. We have already appointed twenty-three staff members who will receive training in basic first aid and firefighting. Some of the smoke alarm detectors have already been installed, which will help keep our buildings safe," Mahusa stated.
Mahusa also highlighted the importance of including GBV survivors in the training. "What makes me happy is when they allow our GBV survivors to be part of the group that will be receiving training in some programs that will assist them when they exit the shelter," she added.