Western Cape welcomes 138 new volunteers to Gender-Based Violence Ambassador programme
A total of 138 new ambassadors joined the initiative on Monday September 8 during a graduation ceremony held at Heideveld Primary School.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) has welcomed its largest intake of volunteers into the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassador programme.
A total of 138 new ambassadors joined the initiative on Monday, September 8, during a graduation ceremony held at Heideveld Primary School.
The programme is aimed at strengthening awareness of abuse and supporting survivors across the Cape Metro, with ambassadors based in several areas: Retreat has 21, Philippi 64, Mitchell’s Plain 46, Gugulethu 66, Wynberg 19, and the Metro East area – which includes Mfuleni and Khayelitsha – has 39 combined.
The Metro East group of ambassadors with their certificates on Monday September 8.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Western Cape MEC for Social Development Jaco Londt said the department now has more than 600 people across the province helping connect communities with social workers and creating pathways for survivors of gender-based violence to access help.
Ambassadors will raise awareness, link survivors to available support, and refer domestic violence cases to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and local DSD offices. Some will also volunteer at police stations’ victim-friendly facilities, providing immediate assistance and comfort, he said.
Deidre Petersen, chairperson of the Eastridge Neighbourhood Watch, said gender-based violence remains a major challenge in Mitchell’s Plain.
Deidre Petersen, chairperson of the Eastridge Neighbourhood Watch receiving her certificate from Jaco Londt, Western Cape MEC for Social Development on Monday September 8.
Image: Marsha Bothma
“Thank you DSD for partnering with us to combat gender-based violence. We trust our future efforts will help ease the suffering in our communities and build a better Mitchell’s Plain,” she said.
Pastor Leasl Gxotelwa of the Baptist Pentecost Church in Khayelitsha described the graduation as an inspiring event.
“Being an ambassador for gender-based violence will allow me to support survivors who I encounter in various forms of abuse. This engagement was needed,” she said.
The Mitchell's Plain group of ambassadors with their certificates on Monday September 8.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Ward 44 councillor Anthony Moses said hosting the graduation in Heideveld was significant, as ambassadors would now be able to directly support local residents facing abuse.
Francine Higham, mayoral committee member for community services and health, also welcomed the initiative.
“The City runs GBV prevention programmes, and this initiative will work alongside us to support survivors in Cape Town.”
The GBV Ambassador programme is now active in several areas across the province, including Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, Heinz Park, Ceres, the Central Karoo, Cape Metro North, Berg River, Metro South, Metro East, the Cape Winelands, the Overberg, and the Klein Karoo.