To counter the widespread problem of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the National Development Agency (NDA) granted funding to Umtata Women’s Support Centre (UWSC) to implement a Victim Empowerment Programme in King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality at O.R Tambo District within the villages of Baziya, Mpheko, Tabase, Ntshabeni, Msana and Bumbane.
GBVF (which disproportionately affects women and girls) is systemically and deeply entrenched in institutions, cultures and traditions in South Africa. Population-based surveys show very high levels of intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual violence (SV) in particular, with IPV being the most common form of violence against women.
NDA communications officer, Lesego Ranchu, said, “The programme, led by UWSC, used an approach called Masiphunge (Let’s Have a Cup of Tea) Women Empowerment Programme (MWEP) to specifically target women living in rural areas, and bring them together to share a cup of tea while discussing matters that affect their daily lives.
“Through conversation, the women share their dreams, pains and achievements,” said Ranchu.
The programme provides a safe space for women to heal, and encourages holistic wellness physically, spiritually and psychologically.
As a result ,the women who complete the programme were now whistle blowers of GBVF in their own communities.
The launch of the MWEP brought together, within the affected area, beneficiaries of the programme, and officials from various government departments and stakeholders including community leaders and traditional leaders led by Chief Thanduxolo Mtirara, as well as the South African Police Services (SAPS), the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and Women’s Rights International, among others.
One of the community members, Sinenjongo Makhanda (39), from Ntshabeni Village, said they were so grateful for this programme.
“Masiphunge came to us and healed us in many ways, even our hearts. We are better and stronger and are definitely healing – the scones we sell now after undergoing a baking course are our bread and butter,” said Makhanda.
The provincial manager for the NDA, Nokulunga Skeyi, said it was through strategic partnerships and an effective capacity building programme that they were able to reach disadvantaged communities and contribute to critical causes such as GBFV.
“O.R Tambo district was identified as a hot spot for GBFV, I believe serious work has been achieved through the Masiphunge programme. It is a pleasure to come and observe the outcome of the programme today and we hope to do more in future,” said Skeyi.
