The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has wrapped up Women’s Month by boosting support services for survivors of abuse and domestic violence in Theewaterskloof and Klein Karoo communities.

The provincial DSD said that gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the biggest scourges facing women in South Africa, and that the Western Cape Government is committed to not only addressing its root causes but supporting those impacted by it.

On 28 August 2025, DSD announced that it will be funding the Caledon House of Hope, a shelter for survivors of GBV. The department is partnering with the Theewaterskloof Municipality and NGO, Reconnect Youth Development, on this initiative.

The department will be providing over R830 000 during the 2025/2026 financial year to the 10-bed facility, which will provide temporary shelter and support services to survivors of abuse and domestic violence.

Theewaterskloof Executive Mayor Lincoln de Bruyn extended his gratitude to DSD, their partners in government and all private sector partners and volunteers.

“Your commitment shows that when we work together, we can truly make a difference. Through our partnerships, we are strengthening our collective ability to protect, empower, and restore hope.”

Social Development MEC Jaco Londt said: “Through this partnership, we will ensure that trained social workers and support staff are equipped to meet the complex needs of survivors, and that they receive the necessary counselling, access to legal services, skills development, and reintegration services.”

In the Klein Karoo, the department launched its 13th GBV Ambassador programme in Calitzdorp on 29 August. The event included an awareness drive in the streets of Calitzdorp, providing information on GBV support services.

The department already has GBV Ambassador programmes operating in: Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, Philippi, Heinz Park, Ceres, Central Karoo district, Cape Metro North (Dunoon, Bishop Lavis, Langa, Elsies River, and Fisantekraal), Berg River, Metro South (Manenberg, Heideveld, Lavender Hill, Philippi, Steenberg, and Gugulethu), Metro East (Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West), Cape Winelands and Overberg regions (Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, McGregor, and Zolani).

GBV Ambassador Jo-Elzette Willemse from Dysselsdorp said: “I want to help people, but I never knew where to go or how to do it. That is why I became a GBV Ambassador. I believe this programme will help improve things in my town, and that we’ll be able to help many people in the community.”

Londt added that the two initiatives are an answer to the pleas of communities in the Overberg and Klein Karoo, respectively, for more support for GBV survivors.

“We need businesses to also get involved in making a difference that will lead to restoring or protecting the dignity and safety of vulnerable residents, and ultimately making communities safer.”

To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV victims, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit:

Meanwhile, DSD is introducing a new online Non Profit Organisations (NPO) registration and compliance monitoring system nationally. DSD said that this is in line with their strategy to digitise its service for better service delivery, accessibility and accountability.

The deployment of the system follows a series of targeted workshops and outreach programs conducted across South Africa. These initiatives aimed to engage NPOs and provide them with the necessary opportunities and support, including capacity building and guidance on corrective steps to address compliance issues.

The new system will be introduced in three phases. The first phase will take effect from 1 September 2025 for the application of new NPO registrations only, whilst the second phase will be introduced on 1 October 2025, and the third phase will be introduced on 19 October 2025.

The three-phase deployment approach has been designed to prevent the collapse of services provided by NPOs.

This strategy will enable the department to manage a limited number of records, ensuring that the system can function effectively and providing an opportunity for successful data migration.

A link will be available in the current system to guide NPOs to the new platform. NPOs will be directed to the new site to create their organisation’s profile and register as a new NPO.

The department believes that the introduction of the new system will significantly improve service delivery by reducing the current waiting period of two months.

DSD said that NPOs will benefit from the system’s integration with other regulatory bodies, such as the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission, the South African Revenue Service, and the Department of Home Affairs.

The department encourages NPOs to fully utilise the new system by creating their own accounts, which will save time when applying for funding.

theolin.tembo@inl.co.za

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