Women’s Month: Founder of GBV shelter celebrated
ANC celebrates the work of Tshegofatsa Rona Shelter founder Cynthia Dinalane, empowering women and children.
The ANC Women’s Caucus in the City of Ekurhuleni honoured Cynthia Dinalane, founder of the Tshegofatsa Rona GBV Shelter, as part of its Women’s Month programme on August 20 in Kempton Park.
Themed ‘A caucus that is united and committed to building better communities’, the event highlighted support for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and vulnerable children through a food-gardening and tree-planting project: Fetsa Tlala Mosadi
During the event, vegetable seedlings and trees were planted, each symbolically named Mpumelelo, Arabile, Nkululeko, and Thembalethu, representing hope and growth.
Caucus convenor Ald Nomadlozi Nkosi said the initiative forms part of a broader vision to empower women and restore dignity to GBV survivors.
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“The trees we have planted are not just for shade or food; they represent hope, resilience, and growth for every woman and child who has walked through the doors of this home.
“As the Women’s Caucus, we remain committed to building sustainable communities where women feel safe and supported,” Nkosi said.
The Tshegofatsa Rona Shelter currently provides a haven for 54 destitute women and children, offering critical support to survivors of abuse.
ANC Ekurhuleni regional secretary Jongizizwe Dlabathi, commended Dinalane’s leadership and reaffirmed the ANC’s commitment to fighting GBV.
“The work being done at the shelter speaks to the values of our movement to protect the vulnerable, uplift women, and safeguard our children.
“We salute Mama Cynthia Dinalane for her courage and vision.
“We will continue to support initiatives that change lives and strengthen communities,” said Dlabathi.
He further urged South Africans to unite in eradicating GBV.
The caucus emphasised that Fetsa Tlala Mosadi is not just a Women’s Month campaign but a sustainable intervention aimed at empowering women through food security projects and greening initiatives.
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Nkosi called on communities, businesses, faith-based organisations, and donors to support the Tshegofatsa Rona Shelter and similar projects across Ekurhuleni.
“Together, we can expand these safe spaces, provide resources, and create lasting opportunities for women and children to rebuild their lives,” she added.
Expressing her gratitude, Cynthia Dinalane said the support meant a great deal to the shelter and its beneficiaries.
“I am so grateful for everything the Women’s Caucus has done for us.
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“They taught our beneficiaries how to plant vegetables and trees. At last, we will be able to eat vegetables from our own garden,” Dinalane said.
Donations of food, clothing, seedlings, trees, or financial resources, as well as partnerships and volunteer work, will help sustain the shelter’s work.
