The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) opened two new safe houses in the West Coast region on Friday, May 7. Social Development Minister, Sharna Fernandez, launched the newly established safe houses, Daisy Safehouse and Aalwyn Place of Safety, for victims of gender-based violence in the area.
As reported by IOL, these shelters for victims of gender-based violence (GBV), are the second and third to be opened in the country, following the respective properties made available by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for GBV safe houses, in all the provinces and across the country.
In a statement by the minister, posted by Premier Alan Winde on Monday, May 10, she stated that the aim is to better the lives of some of the most vulnerable citizens of the province, and that is why DSD has partnered with Siyabonga and Community Cohesion non-profit organisations, that render emergency shelter accommodation to victims of crime and violence, and their children, in a crisis.”The provision of safe spaces for victims of gender-based violence is a crucial component of the Western Cape Government’s effort to ensure that there are support services for victims of gender-based violence,” Fernandez said.
A result of months of collaboration and partnerships. Meaningful Stake- holder engagement is critical, noting that the community is at the centre of all the work thats being done! ??@alanwinde @WesternCapeGov@The_DSD @anandanel @ColleenYvonne @DesReese @masangobridget1 https://t.co/1wvQmBtauE
— Sharna Fernandez (@SharnaFernandez) May 10, 2021
Meanwhile, the teenager who stands accused of killing 22-year-old gay man Lonwabo Jack from Nyanga has abandoned his bail application. The juvenile appeared in the Athlone Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, April 29. The case was postponed until May 25 for further investigations.
Picture: Facebook/Alan Winde
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