PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Minister of Social Development, Sisisi Tolashe, conducted an oversight visit to a gender-based violence support facility in KwaNokuthula last week, where government-funded upgrades are helping survivors rebuild their lives.
The facility, operated by Bitou Women of Change (BWC), recently renovated its administrative offices and trauma counselling centre using funding from the National Development Agency (NDA) to improve privacy and strengthen support services for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Upgrades
The upgrades were aimed at improving privacy and creating a safe, confidential space for survivors seeking support. Beyond shelter and counselling, the organisation equips women with practical skills to regain independence.
Its skills development programme includes computer literacy, business development training and assistance in obtaining learner's and driver's licences.
The organisation also supports women in establishing home-based businesses to generate sustainable income. During the visit, Tolashe met beneficiaries whose lives have been transformed through the programme.
One survivor is now the co-ordinator of the Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), while another, under BWC's mentorship, went on to establish her own non-profit organisation, 'Joy Community Development Project' in Kranshoek, focusing on vulnerable groups and implementing a Safe Schools Programme.
"I am no longer a victim of GBFV; today I am a motivational speaker and business owner. I have a driver's licence through the NDA. I am supporting other people and the community in the VEP in partnership with the police to empower others," said Liseka Bibili.
Tolashe commended the organisation's work, highlighting the ripple effect of empowerment within the community.
"I am so encouraged to see women empowering other women. Women are uplifting other women. Women are employing more women. This centre is serving a good cause in this community; we are motivated to further guide interventions that will foster more technical skills to allow for further job creation. I am happy that the NDA has unlocked potential here, allowing the agency to focus on other communities in need."
Small-scale farmers
Small-scale farmers from Bitou also met with the minister to outline progress made with NDA support. Assistance from the agency enabled them to formalise their operations and secure permits from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
The farmers are now working towards establishing a secondary co-operative to strengthen their collective capacity to supply produce.
Tolashe welcomed the initiative and praised the progress made, describing it as a positive example of community-driven development supported by government partnerships.
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