The appeal follows a formal handover ceremony in Pretoria, where the Department of Public Works transferred ten properties to the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development. These buildings are set to be repurposed as shelters for GBV victims.

Dr Lesley Ann Foster, Executive Director of Masimanyane Women’s Rights International, welcomed the move but cautioned that infrastructure alone is not enough without sustained funding.

“The Department of Social Development simply doesn’t have the budget to meet the full scope of needs faced by survivors,” said Foster. “We need more than safe spaces, we need long-term funding for counselling, legal support, and reintegration services.”

Foster also stressed the importance of interdepartmental collaboration.

“What’s missing is a co-ordinated approach. Various government departments need to work in unison, pooling their resources to deliver a comprehensive and effective response to GBV.”

The properties were officially handed over by Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, who highlighted the government's commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through such initiatives.

Despite policy reforms, GBV remains a persistent crisis in SA, with women and children disproportionately affected. Civil society groups argue that underfunded support services continue to undermine progress.

--ChannelAfrica--