Cape Winelands/Overberg gets social services boost
DSD GBV Ambassador Programme
The Western Cape Government (WCG) is committed to a 365-day approach to addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV), not just during these 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
Among the many interventions by the provincial government is the resident-centric GBV Ambassador Programme by the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD). This model – which sees trained volunteers from the community helping the Department to raise awareness about GBV support services – has been implemented in Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, and Heinz Park.
On 02 December 2024, Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, launched the fifth one in Ceres (joining Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, and Heinz Park). He was joined by various officials from different spheres of government, including Chairperson of the Western Cape Provincial Parliament Standing Committee on Social Development Wendy Philander, National Parliament’s Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Social Development, MP Bridget Masango, as well as Anita Sampson, Deputy Director for the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Bilateral Health Office.
Ms Sampson said, “Strong partnerships are the cornerstone of sustainable development. Through our government-to-government agreement [designed to elevate the provision of services for vulnerable children in South Africa, particularly children living with HIV, those with disabilities, and survivors of sexual violence], we as USAID are proud to collaborate with the Western Cape Department of Social Development to uplift communities, strengthen systems, and ensure brighter futures for those we serve.”
Cape Winelands District Municipality Executive Mayor Dr Elna von Schlicht said, “It is through partnerships that the need for local ‘ambassadors’ was identified. It is through partnerships that we launch this wonderful project on the rural platform today. I am inspired by these volunteers, who selflessly assist their neighbours when they are at their most frightened and vulnerable. It serves as testimony to the Cape Winelands District Municipality’s commitment to partnerships that we celebrate today.”
DSD Mobile Office
The event was followed by the launch of the third DSD mobile office in the province, this one is for the Cape Winelands/Overberg region.
Last week the Department launched one in Elands Bay, for the residents of the West Coast. The Central Karoo was the first one to benefit, with its mobile office launching in October, in Nelspoort.
Witzenberg Local Municipality Executive Mayor Trevor Abrahams said, “In difficult economic times services need to continue and are often more needed. Both the GBV Ambassadors and DSD Mobile Office projects are a no-excuse effort of a caring government in the Western Cape to bring service to our communities.”
GBV Ambassador and Prince Alfred-Hamlet resident, Saartjie Franse, said, “It’s very difficult coming into town for social services because sometimes there isn’t money for transport. But this mobile office will save lives, it will save our people. Thank you to the Minister and DSD!”
Provincial Minister Londt said, “The Western Cape Department of Social Development’s service model is unique compared to other provinces. We have our local offices in the bigger towns, the service points in the smaller areas, and then we have our mobile offices which take social services to the doorsteps of residents. We are utilising our limited resources to the maximum extent, for the benefit of vulnerable residents. We’ve seen the ever-increasing need for services, and we have found a sustainable solution. DSD social workers are reaching clients in the farthest corners of the province, using innovations like the mobile office and the Social Work Integrated Management Application (SWIMS App).”
He added, “With DSD’s GBV Ambassador programmes, we are working across the province and with communities. It is a resident-centric model that places the resident at the forefront of the solution working side-by-side with the department, because they know best what their communities need. And we certainly cannot do it without our partners, like the other government departments, municipalities, NGOs, and the private sector. Thank you for taking hands with us in addressing social ills like domestic violence and abuse.”
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:
https://www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development/service/victim-empowerment-programme
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Media enquiries:
Monique Mortlock-Malgas
Media Liaison Officer: Ministry
Department of Social Development
Email: Monique.Mortlock@westerncape.gov.za