By Lebone Rodah Mosima
Survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in Ndwedwe, KwaZulu-Natal, now have access to a dedicated, confidential space to report abuse and seek support.
Public Works and Infrastructure Deputy Minister Sihle Zikalala has handed over a victim-friendly room at the local police station.
He said on Tuesday that violence against women and children was not being addressed or prevented adequately because of a lack of resources, especially in townships and rural areas.
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“This is why we saw the importance of working together, so that each sector can implement these resources in townships and rural areas.”
He said that it was often difficult for survivors of GBVF to find the courage to report abuse.
“The victim-friendly room made possible by donors and sponsors offers a dedicated space where survivors of GBVF can give statements and be interviewed in a confidential and dignified environment,” Zikalala said.
“This is about more than handing over a building. It is about creating a space that says to somebody who arrives here frightened, hurt or traumatised: You matter. Your dignity matters. Your safety matters.”
He said children would also be accommodated.
“Children have access to play within the facility and a place to live in, as well as social workers have a place that accommodates them and that they all have access to the basic services that they need in the facility,” he said.
The handover comes as South Africa continues to confront excessively high levels of GBVF.
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Zikalala said that between January and March 2026, KwaZulu-Natal recorded 2,589 sexual offences, including 2,075 reported rapes.
He emphasised that while infrastructure alone could not end GBVF, appropriate facilities could help ensure survivors received the care, privacy and respect they deserved when seeking assistance.
He also called on communities to challenge victim blaming, reject harmful attitudes and support survivors rather than subjecting them to gossip and judgement.
