Media Statement
North West - Rustenburg, 06 May 2021: “The time is now that women across all walks of life including religious spaces should take the lead in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” this is what women agreed upon during the Pastors’ Wives Dialogue which took place in North West today under the leadership of the Deputy Minister of Social Development - Ms Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu.
Addressing the audience, the Deputy Minister encouraged women to lead the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF). “If you use your positive energy the right way, you will be able to defeat this pandemic of GBVF as a collective. Only if you can learn to harness the positive energy inside you as women - you will definitely succeed in your different societal roles,” said the Deputy Minister.
In addition, the Deputy Minister reminded the audience that the DSD is responsible for the National Policy Framework for Families and women play a role in restoring families. “I expect that as women and pastors’ wives, you also play your part in the fight against social ills including substance abuse in the country, elevate the rights of persons with disabilities and older persons in your respective families. Most importantly, follow your dreams of protecting children even if it means you have to stand alone to protect them against your own husbands,” said Deputy Minister Bogopane-Zulu.
The Department of Social Development leads Pillar Four of the Government’s National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which promotes Response, Care, Support and Healing for victims and those who are affected by this scourge. In addition, Pillar Four is focused on rendering shelter and psychosocial services for victims of crime and violence through a multi-sectoral approach.
In the fight against GBVF, the Department of Social Development launched a 24-hour Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) to deal with various forms of abuse including indecent assault, physical violence, rape, abandoned children and verbal abuse.
The GBVCC can be reached through a toll-free number 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV), SMS to 31531 or Skype by adding HelpMeGbv to speak with a social worker for counselling, support and assistance.
On Friday 07 May, the Deputy Minister will embark on the Know Your NPO Status Campaign for Faith-Based Organisations in North West Province. This engagement is informed by the realisation that there are NPO’s that are not compliant with the Non-profit Organisations (NPO) Act. In 2020, the Department held an engagement to inform NPOs about the looming deregistration for non-compliant NPOs.
The Deputy Minister will use the opportunity to educate and encourage Faith-Based Organisations that are still non-compliant to register by submitting their documents online by visiting www.npo.gov.za as the country is still under a Level of the Risk Adjusted Strategy which discourages unnecessary physical contact and overcrowding.
Members of the media are invited to attend the Know Your NPO Status events scheduled as follows:
KNOW YOUR NPO STATUS PROGRAMME
Date: 07 May 2021
Time: 10h00
Venue: ANEW Resort Hunter’s Rest in Rustenburg, North West Province
Media can RSVP by contacting Ms Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
