The deputy minister of correctional services, Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, has applauded the Setshabelo Family and Child Services (SFCS) organisation in Botshabelo for its continued work to safeguard and provide care for victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
She spoke on the sidelines of her outreach initiative as part of government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen prevention and response to GBVF, held at the Grootvlei Correctional Facility in Bloemfontein on 22 April.
Established in 2023 and commonly known as the Setshabelo Safe House, this women-led centre operates as a non-profit organisation (NPO) providing crucial care to numerous victims of GBVF.
“This GBV scourge requires men to look at themselves and their role in combating it, as it contributes significantly to breaking family bonds,” said Ntshalintshali.
“Men are also affected, and they are silent about it because of social stigma and ridicule,” she said, addressing the misconception that only women can be GBV victims.
Evidence of the crucial role of the centre came from two young women who shared their experiences of GBV, and finding safety at the centre. Lerato Chokobane and Dieketseng Thinda are receiving support and care after leaving their homes.
Ntshalintshali explained that the outreach educated men and women while striving to curb the scourge.
“It is a direct response to government’s continued intensification of its fight against GBVF, which Pres. Cyril Ramaphosa has described as the country’s ‘second pandemic’.
“Government is providing education to both perpetrators and victims, because this is a gender issue that affects everyone.”
Ntshalintshali said findings revealed that the root causes of rife GBV included primarily socio-economic problems and unequal distribution of power and privilege between men and women.
The minister highlighted the fact that Setshabelo served as a beacon of hope – offering shelter and protection; counselling and psychosocial support; group therapy; skills development and empowerment programmes; as well as community-based programmes for awareness about GBV and human trafficking.
