Key Points
-
GBV Ambassador program expands to Cape Town’s Metro South.
-
Volunteers raise awareness and support survivors.
-
Activists call for stipends for GBV ambassadors.
The Western Cape Department of Social Development launched its 10th Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Ambassador Program.
This move marks a major step in the province’s long-term campaign to combat gender-based violence.
The latest rollout includes 68 trained community volunteers. These individuals will now serve in Cape Town’s Metro South region.
Their assigned communities include Manenberg, Heideveld, Lavender Hill, Steenberg, Philippi, Browns Farm, and Gugulethu.
These ambassadors play multiple vital roles. They raise awareness about GBV support services.
They assist in early interventions and also refer domestic violence cases to police. Furthermore, they volunteer in police victim-friendly rooms to provide survivors with emotional and logistical support.
With this new cohort, the total number of GBV ambassadors in the province has reached 283. These volunteers now operate in areas like Swartland, Delft, Grabouw, Ceres, and parts of the Cape Metro.
Western Cape’s MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, praised the new group. He commended the ambassadors for showing leadership and for inspiring others in their communities.
“They are making a meaningful difference in the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” Londt said.
GBV Ambassador Program equips volunteers with practical tools
Many of the volunteers described the program as personal and transformative. For example, 73-year-old Noluthando Mazwi from Gugulethu expressed deep motivation.
“I want to empower others,” she said. “Supporting our communities should not be limited by age. If I can do it, so can they.”
Mazwi believes that gender-based violence is a massive problem. She called on citizens to unite and fight the societal “disease” of GBV. Like her, many other volunteers have shown passion and commitment.
Similarly, ambassador Paul Mdidisi emphasized the program’s impact.
“The GBV training gave us tools to support victims,” he said. “It also taught us how to address perpetrators effectively.”
The program forms part of the larger Victim Empowerment Programme. This initiative provides a wide range of resources and services for survivors of GBV.
Activists demand stipends for unpaid GBV ambassadors
Despite praise, the program has also sparked concerns. One major issue is the lack of financial compensation for the volunteers.
Lucinda Evans, a leading activist and founder of Philisa Abafazi Bethu, welcomed the program. However, she strongly questioned the absence of stipends.
Evans pointed out that safety ambassadors receive stipends. Therefore, she urged the Department of Social Development to offer the same for GBV ambassadors.
“Most of these volunteers are women,” she said. “They deserve recognition for their work.”
Moreover, Evans called for the ambassadors to receive payment for their time in police victim support rooms. “GBV is a national priority,” she stressed.
“Let’s put the same effort into supporting these ambassadors as we do with other safety officers.”
Finally, for those seeking help, the department offers multiple access points. Residents can call the toll-free number 0800 220 250.
They may also email SD.CustomerCare@westerncape.gov.za or visit the Victim Empowerment Programme website for more information.
