During the national 16 Days of Activism campaign, GRIP (Greater Rape Intervention Project) has partnered with SPAR Lowveld and Laeveld Radio 100.5FM for a Dignity Care Pack Drive.

GRIP CEO, Tarryn Lokotsch, said the organisation is calling on the public to stand with survivors by donating essential items that help restore dignity, hope and comfort in the aftermath of violence.

GRIP provides dignity care packs to rape survivors after the assault, offering practical items that support their wellbeing during an extremely traumatic time.

These packs allow survivors to shower after consultations and have clean underwear and other basic necessities.

In addition to underwear, each care pack includes soap, a facecloth, deodorant, toothpaste, a toothbrush and sanitary towels.

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As of October 31, GRIP has supported more than 1 400 survivors at its hospital care rooms, 65% of whom were under the age of 19.

Over 2 200 cases have been handled across GRIP’s network of police stations, while 130 women and children have received long-term shelter at the organisation’s two safe houses. More than 1 000 survivors have been assisted in three magistrates’ courts and one district court, and 750 survivors, witnesses and caregivers have received comprehensive court-preparation training.

Through the partnership with SPAR, several stores are serving as collection points where shoppers can drop off care items. Participating outlets include Crossing, The Grove, Westend, Courtside and Belladonna.

Lokotsch noted that GRIP currently has a surplus of sanitary products – generously donated by SPAR – but urgently needs the other essential items to keep care packs fully stocked.

Once donations are collected, they are distributed through GRIP’s network of hospital-, police-, court- and shelter-based care rooms, ensuring survivors receive immediate, dignified support during crisis moments.

She said the drive reflects a shared belief that ending gender-based violence (GBV) requires collective action and compassion.

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“Laeveld Radio 100.5FM is helping to amplify the campaign through on-air interviews and community messages, raising awareness across Mpumalanga. The campaign encourages everyone to act; even if you cannot volunteer time, you can still make a tangible difference through a simple donation,” she said.

Despite losing 52% of its funding in February following the withdrawal of USAID, GRIP has continued to serve the community without interruption, operating with fewer resources and on reduced salaries.

Lokotsch said two hospital care rooms and one police station care room currently have no funding to continue operating next year, and the team is urgently working to secure support to keep them all.

“We want to make the Lowveld a safer, more compassionate place for women and children. Where there is violence, there must also be safety – a place to go and a team ready to help. But we cannot do it alone. Ending GBV takes all of us: business, media and communities standing together to restore dignity, hope and safety for every survivor,” she said.