Kubayi promises to hand over houses to victims of GBV

As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Violence against Women and Children campaign, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has pledged to donate 16 houses to victims of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) over a 16-day period.

Kubayi said the initiative underscores the department’s commitment to providing tangible support to victims and survivors of GBVF.

“The purpose of providing safe housing is to reduce survivors’ dependence on their abused partners and promote independence and dignity. It also aims to accelerate collective action and accountability across society to end violence against women and children.

“Women’s economic empowerment is also critical in the fight against gender-based violence, and a safe and secure home provides the foundation for people to build their lives and become productive members of society,” Kubayi said.

When women are economically resilient, they are freed to leave harmful situations, take control of their lives and create a better future for themselves and their children, the minister said.

Kubayi said that through the campaign, the department aims to raise awareness and highlight practical efforts to reduce the vulnerability of women affected by GBV by providing them with a safe haven.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is today leading the national 16 Days of Activism to End Violence against Women and Children campaign in the local municipality of Rustenburg in the north-west of the country.

This year’s campaign theme is: “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence against Women and Children”, which builds on previous efforts to address the root causes of gender-based violence, build a culture of positive masculinity, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment and children.

The campaign sub-theme is: “Using technology and innovation to combat gender-based violence and accelerate the creation of a gender-inclusive digital economy.”

Kubayi, together with Gauteng Human Settlements MEC Tasneem Motara and Ekurhuleni Mayor Nkosindiphile Jakaza, will also hand over New Horizons houses to vulnerable groups at the Helderwick housing project in Ekurhuleni.

The donation of houses in Gauteng is an important initiative of the department in support of the 16 Days campaign.

The Department has developed a Special Housing Needs Policy to assist victims of GBV.

To further demonstrate its commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, the department has released a public service announcement highlighting efforts to combat gender-based violence.

“The advert will launch today, marking the start of the campaign, and will air across SABC television platforms, ensuring broad reach and visibility,” the department said. – SAnews.gov.za