The Western Cape has more than 650 GBV ambassadors. As the narrative against GBV becomes a hot topic in the run-up to the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, more Western Cape residents have stepped up to make their voices heard. The latest areas to see GBV Ambassador programmes launched in the Province are the Matzikama and Cederberg municipal areas.
MEC Jaco Londt says, “We are doing more than raising awareness, we are empowering ordinary residents to become beacons of change in their communities.”
The Western Cape has more than 650 GBV ambassadors
Social Development MEC Jaco Londt has thanked people who have made their voices heard about GBV. He says the West Coast is the latest region to benefit from the Western Cape Department of Social Development’s (DSD) Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassador programme.
“These ambassadors are the frontline of hope: standing with survivors, guiding them toward support, and helping to break the silence around abuse,” said MEC Londt.
Information is provided about support services to survivors of abuse and domestic violence
Londt says the 41 volunteers (26 from Matzikama and 15 from the Cederberg) will assist DSD by providing information about support services available to survivors of abuse and domestic violence. At the same time, they will also help to raise awareness about GBV, in their communities.
MEC Londt concluded, “Their commitment strengthens our hand as the Western Cape Government, helping us to build a safer, more compassionate province.’
Some GBV Ambassadors Give More Insight
Lutzville GBV Ambassador, Jane Skippers, has been active for many years in her community. She helps survivors of domestic violence and abuse. “I have a love for our people, and I am involved in helping survivors. With the training I received from the department, I am empowered to become even more involved and to delve deeper into helping my community.”
Another GBV Ambassador, Hilda-Ester Job from Lambert’s Bay, said after retiring as a teacher, she still felt the need to give back to her community. That is what got her to join the programme. “Thumbs up to DSD Clanwilliam, which guided us with training. I want to encourage other residents to get involved, whether to help a child, a woman, or a man who doesn’t have a voice. You can be the voice for your community.”
GBV Ambassador programmes are 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, Mitchells Plain, Heideveld, Wynberg, Lavender Hill, Philippi, Steenberg, Retreat, and Gugulethu)
- Metro East (Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West)
- Cape Winelands and Overberg regions (Bonnievale, Ashton, Robertson, McGregor, and Zolani)
- Klein Karoo (Oudtshoorn, Ladismith, Calitzdorp, Dysselsdorp, and Zoar)
MORE ABOUT: Services for GBV victims in the Western Cape
You can also contact the Department by using the toll-free number 0800 220 250. There is also an email address SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za.
The latest volunteers bring the total of GBV Ambassadors in the Western Cape, to more than 650.
