Thembisa-based YANA secures funding to support GBV survivors

You Are Not Alone (YANA) Women and Family Centre, a non-profit organisation based in Thembisa, is dedicated to promoting mental health and eradicating gender-based violence (GBV).

Founded by Jabulile Cynthia Maseko in 2020, the organisation provides a safe, non-judgmental space for survivors and their families to heal and find empowerment.

The organisation relies on community-driven fundraising and individual contributions, but also applies annually for grants from the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD).

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“We are privileged to be among the successful organisations in Gauteng to receive the funding letters from MEC Faith Mazibuko, acknowledged by Premier Panyaza Lesufi,” said Maseko.

In this context, the GDSD “happy letters” are official award letters confirming approved financial support for the 2026/2027 financial year.

The funding allows YANA to continue offering services such as the Victim Empowerment Programme and mental health counselling, providing psychosocial support to GBV survivors and addressing the root causes of violence through community outreach.

“As an NPO, we are required to apply annually for a grant. The call for proposals ran from August to October 2025, and as an existing organisation, we had to reapply. The funding allows us to pay staff salaries and keep the office functional,” Maseko explained.

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To receive a happy letter, organisations must comply fully with legal and financial regulations, including up-to-date NPO Act registration, submission of annual reports, vetting of staff and board members against the National Register for Sex Offenders and the Child Protection Register, and strong governance in finance, human resources, and project management.

Despite the success, the organisation faces operational challenges, particularly in transportation.

“We have three victim-friendly rooms (VFR) at Norkem Park, Edenvale, and Sebenza police stations. During crises, it is difficult to move between these locations.

“We are seeking assistance from private companies and appeal to readers of this article to help,” said Maseko.

Looking ahead, YANA aims to expand its reach, partnering with stakeholders to address social ills, especially GBV.

Maseko also plans to train aspiring NPO founders on compliance, GBV awareness, and successful organisational management, offering guidance through social media platforms such as Thembisa Online.

“With the help of qualified board members and professional staff, including social workers and social auxiliary workers, we are able to operate efficiently. Teamwork is our slogan at You Are Not Alone,” she said.

This year, the organisation plans to strengthen its community programmes, including the creation of sewing and craft hubs to enhance skills development, scale up existing programmes to help women generate income, and establish job linkages with local businesses in Kempton Park and Edenvale to create employment pathways for survivors.