The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

Today I visited two shelters for abused women in the Johannesburg CBD, Bethany House and the Frida Hartley Centre, with DA Gauteng Spokesperson for Community Safety Kate Lorimer and Housing Spokesperson Janet Semple.

As part of Women’s Month, the DA’s visit investigated the plight of abused women in the city and the challenges they face on a daily basis. The two centres cater for 40 women who have experienced sexual, physical and mentally abuse.

We were informed that despite repeated attempts to obtain assistance from the Gauteng Provincial Government, nothing was forthcoming. Neither of these shelters receive any form of assistance from the provincial government and are dependent on the goodwill of private funders. It was pointed out that the Department’s inability to process applications for assistance or provide the shelters with feedback on their applications deterred them from seeking any further support.

Shelters such as Bethany House and the Frida Hartley Centre are crucial to offer support to vulnerable women in dire need of assistance.

I will request that Gauteng Social Development MEC Nandi Mayathula-Khoza outline her department’s strategy to provide assistance and support for shelters across the province that cater for vulnerable women. I will also submit questions to the MEC to establish what her department is doing to make it easier for these shelters to receive the necessary support.

Women as care givers and home makers are the cornerstone of our society. Without adequate support or safe havens to turn to women risk being the most vulnerable in society, especially because abused women are often dependant on the perpetrators of violence.

Our visit today again highlighted the need for the provincial government to intensify its efforts to ensure that the safety, security and development of women in the province are prioritised.