From GBV survivor to entrepreneur: Nxumalo tells her story

This Women’s Month, we celebrate the resilience, courage and determination of women like Nomfundo Nxumalo.

Her journey from surviving gender-based violence to rebuilding a life of independence serves as an inspiration to many women facing similar circumstances.

After enduring domestic abuse at the hands of her former boyfriend, Nxumalo made the courageous decision to seek help at the Daveyton Magistrate’s Court by applying for a protection order.

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Her case was subsequently referred to the Gauteng Department of Social Development, where a social worker referred her to Theodorah Ndaba Victim Support Centre in Daveyton, Eastern Corridor.

Her story is a powerful reminder that seeking assistance is not a sign of weakness, but the first step towards healing, hope and empowerment.

Theodorah Ndaba Victim Support Centre is a shelter funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development to provide protection, accommodation and comprehensive support services to women and children who are victims of abuse, in line with the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act 116 of 1998.

The shelter offers a safe environment where survivors can begin rebuilding their lives through counselling, psychosocial support, skills development and other empowerment programmes.

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Speaking to members of the Ekurhuleni Women’s Forum, which donated pre-loved clothing, sanitary towels and toiletries to the shelter, the 43-year-old mother reflected on the difficult circumstances that led her to seek refuge.

“I arrived at the shelter with my children and nothing else. We only had the clothes we were wearing,” she recalled.

“Today, I can proudly testify that the shelter provided for all our basic needs until we exited. While I was at Theodorah Ndaba, we received counselling, therapeutic programmes and a host of other services, including skills development, that helped restore my confidence and prepared me for a new beginning,” she added.

Beyond providing immediate relief, the shelter equipped Nxumalo with practical skills and opportunities that enabled her to regain her independence. Through the organisation’s support, she obtained her driver’s licence, secured employment and was encouraged to save towards building a stable future for herself and her children.

“I managed to save R19 500 and bought a stand in an informal settlement. At the back of my mind, I always had the dream of building a home where my children and I could start a new chapter and have a better future,” she said.

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Today, Nxumalo is a proud entrepreneur running a full-time perfume business, allowing her to provide for her family with dignity and confidence. Her transformation from a survivor of abuse to a self-reliant businesswoman reflects the life-changing impact that timely intervention and holistic support can have on survivors of GBV.

“As South Africa commemorates Women’s Month, stories like Nxumalo’s highlight the importance of creating safe spaces where women can escape abuse, heal from trauma and access opportunities that empower them to become financially independent,” said Spokesperson for Social Development MEC Dloze Matooane.

“They also underscore the critical role played by social workers, counsellors and community organisations in restoring hope and helping survivors reclaim their lives.”

“Nomfundo Nxumalo’s journey is a testament to the fact that while gender-based violence may leave deep scars, it does not have to define a woman’s future.

“With the right support, compassion and determination, survivors can become thrivers, building brighter futures for themselves, their children and their communities,” said Matooane.