Cynthia Dinalane honoured for empowering GBV survivors in Kempton Park

Cynthia Dinalane, founder and CEO of Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare, is reflecting on 2025 as a year marked by significant recognition and a deepened commitment to her mission of supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Operating a shelter for survivors from her own home, Dinalane continues to provide refuge, counselling, skills development and long-term empowerment to women and children escaping abusive situations.

She said her work has always focused on restoring dignity, safety and independence, helping survivors rebuild their lives step by step.

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Dinalane expressed gratitude to organisations and community partners who assist in keeping the shelter operational, including Citiq, FNB, Biggest, Betway Cares, Street Kids, Public Safety, Devoted Citizen and churches across Kempton Park.

During 2025, Dinalane received a number of prestigious honours in recognition of her humanitarian work.

These included the Mail & Guardian Power Women Civil Society Award, the Ema Mosadi Award for Women in Community, the Women in Mission Best Humanitarian Award, the South African Heroes Award for GBV Activist of the Year, the Global Recognition Award 2025, the Peace and Humanitarian Award, the Social Justice Champion Award, the Universal Women Award, the Tsonga o Itirele Community Builder Award, the African Humanitarian Award in Nigeria, and the Basadi in Music Award.

“One of my biggest highlights was receiving the South African Heroes Award in Auckland Park during the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children, marking my tenth major recognition of the year,” Dinalane said.

“These achievements build on earlier accolades such as the Humanitarian Global Award in Ghana, the African Humanitarian Award in Nigeria and the UK Universal Award in London, which continue to reflect the global reach of my work and role in advancing women’s empowerment,” she added.

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Dinalane said that during Women’s Month in August 2025, the ANC Women’s Caucus in the City of Ekurhuleni acknowledged her contributions through a food gardening and tree-planting initiative aimed at equipping shelter beneficiaries with sustainable skills while fostering community healing.

According to Dinalane, Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare has empowered more than 150 women since 2019, offering far more than temporary protection.

“Survivors receive psychological support, skills training and long-term guidance to help them rebuild their independence,” she said.
Despite its impact, the shelter remains largely underfunded, operating without government support and relying heavily on community donations.

“Lack of funding continues to be one of the greatest challenges of my work. The shelter cannot continue to carry the national burden of GBV alone,” Dinalane said. “I call for increased governmental support and sustainable funding models.”

Advocacy remains central to her mission. Dinalane regularly uses her platform to speak out against the manipulative cycles of abuse, often referring to the “flowers after blows” phenomenon that traps many women in violent relationships.

“I urge survivors of rape and abuse to seek help. Your lives do not end in the moments of your trauma,” she said.

“I wish the system could introduce tougher sentencing for GBV offenders, the removal of bail and parole in severe cases, and stronger rehabilitation and support systems for survivors.”

While 2025 brought widespread recognition, Dinalane said she views the awards not as personal achievements, but as a means to amplify the voices of survivors.

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“For me, the real reward lies in watching women leave my shelter stronger, more confident and ready to rebuild,” she said.

“Each transformed life reaffirms my belief that grassroots activism can shift communities, influence national conversations and create sustainable change.”