16 Days of Activism: DSD launches Victim Support facilities and expands GBV Ambassador Programme
Launch of Garden Route GBV Ambassador Programme
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has now recruited over 780 Gender-Based Violence (GBV) ambassadors across the province with 20 separate programmes operating across different areas. The Garden Route programme, which launched in Mossel Bay on 1 December 2025, consists of 128 residents from different parts of the district (Bitou, Mossel Bay, Knysna, George, and Hessequa).
These programmes directly support GBV survivors to access the necessary support to heal and recover. This builds stronger connections between the Western Cape Government (WCG) and vulnerable residents through the establishment of additional healing pathways.
Mossel Bay Mayor Dirk Kotzé said, “Since November 2021, the Mayoral Committee and I have placed a huge emphasis on social regeneration in our communities. We have joined hands with local NPOs, churches and businesses to tackle challenges like addiction, unemployment and homelessness. I want to thank Western Cape Minister Londt and DSD who have been an essential partner in addressing social challenges in Mossel Bay through initiatives such as Disability Accessibility Mossel Bay and now this timely GBV Ambassador programme. I believe this will build on the work already done and help ensure that the most vulnerable people in Mossel Bay are protected and have access to necessary social support.”
GBV Ambassador Ruth Windvogel from Kannalang shared her experiences as a newly appointed ambassador: “I’m enjoying being able to work in the community and making a difference in people’s lives. One highlight has been where we’ve been able to get a 10-year old girl who has never been to school a birth certificate and enrolled in a school. We are still walking a path with her and her family. We won’t be able to solve problems in one day, but if we take it bit by bit then we will see things changing.”
GBV Ambassadors are trained volunteers that assist DSD in raising awareness in their communities about support services available to survivors of abuse and domestic violence. They also assist survivors to find the necessary support from the relevant authorities.
Knysna DSD Office Therapeutic Room
On 28 November 2025, the Knysna DSD staff opened a new therapeutic room at the local office. The room was specifically designed to create an environment for healing, growth and to foster trust between vulnerable residents and the DSD social workers who are there to provide support.
Western Cape Minister of Social Development Jaco Londt said, “The Western Cape Department of Social Development cares for and supports GBV survivors every single day of the year. I know that this space will offer a more supportive environment for people impacted by GBV to heal and recover. Thank you to the hundreds of Western Cape Government DSD social workers who will be supporting thousands of people through their healing journey.”
Opening of men’s and LGBTQIA+ shelter
On 2 December 2025, DSD in partnership with NGO Philisa Abafazi Bethu officially opened a men’s and LGBTQIA+ GBV shelter in Cape Town. This is a first of its kind in Cape Town.
The shelter provides immediate safety and psychosocial support for LGBTQIA+ persons and men aged 18 and older, with six beds available for short-term stays of up to two weeks. This is a critical intervention for those who often face barriers in accessing safe spaces.
DSD has allocated over R1.2 million to Philisa Abafazi Bethu for emergency shelter services, with R516 000 dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ and men’s shelter. This funding covers operational costs, security, occupational health and safety, and psychosocial services.
“We will continue to champion programmes that strengthen families and communities, and that raise awareness about GBV support services. Our collaborations with NGOs and NPOs help us break the cycle of violence by addressing root causes, community attitudes, and trauma. Furthermore, community-based programmes like the GBV Ambassadors are integral to creating safer, peaceful communities. Thank you to the ambassadors for working with the Western Cape Government to a cause that seeks not only to prevent GBV, but to strengthen support for survivors by offering them a safe space and easier pathways to support services,” said Minister Londt.
To access more information about services offered by the Department for GBV survivors, call our toll-free number on 0800 220 250, send an email to SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or download the Western Cape Directory of Services for Victims of crime and violence.
Media Enquiries
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer to Minister Jaco Londt
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za