The Western Cape government is committed to a 365-day approach to addressing gender-based violence (GBV), and not just during the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Among the many interventions by the provincial government is the resident-centred GBV Ambassador Programme by the provincial Department of Social Development.
This model sees trained volunteers from the community helping the department raise awareness of GBV-support services. Jaco Londt, provincial minister of Social Development, launched the fifth programme in Ceres on Monday (2 December). He was joined by various officials from different spheres of government, including Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) executive mayor Dr Elna von Schlicht.
“It is through partnerships that the need for local ‘ambassadors’ was identified. It is through partnerships that we launch this wonderful project on the rural platform today,” Von Schlicht said.
“I am inspired by these volunteers, who selflessly assist their neighbours when they are at their most frightened and vulnerable. It serves as testimony to the CWDM’s commitment to partnerships that we celebrate today.”
The event was followed by the launch of the third DSD mobile office in the province, this one is for the Cape Winelands and Overberg region.
“With the department’s GBV ambassador programmes, we are working across the province and with communities. It is a resident-centred model that places the resident at the forefront of the solution, working side-by-side with the department, because they know best what their communities need,” Londt added.
“And we certainly cannot do it without our partners, like the other government departments, municipalities, NGOs, and the private sector. Thank you for taking hands with us in addressing social ills like domestic violence and abuse.”
- To access more information about services offered by the department for GBV victims, call the toll-free line 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.
