Standerton to get a Thuthuzela Care Centre
The first meeting to establish a Thuthuzela Care Centre in Standerton was held at the Standerton Hospital on August 5.
A stakeholder engagement meeting was held at the Standerton Hospital on August 5. Hosted by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), the meeting focused on establishing a Thuthuzela Care Centre in Standerton.
This centre is a direct response to sexual GBV and aims to turn victims into survivors by providing intensive care and holistic services.
The high number of GBV cases in the Lekwa area drove its establishment.
Several role players, including the Standerton SAPS, Kasselman Security Services, the Lekwa Local Municipality, and social workers in the area, attended.
MMC for Community Services and Safety, Mapaseka Molaba, attended and expressed support for the initiative, saying women, children and the LGBTQ+ community suffer daily from GBV.
She believes it is crucial for men to feel empowered to report such cases as well.
“If it were up to me, this facility would be immediately operational. However, I understand that due process must be followed. I am hopeful that these processes are carried out smoothly for the benefit of our community,” concluded Molaba.
According to Hanlie Brits of the SAVF Standerton branch, establishing a Thuthuzela Centre in Standerton would greatly improve the community’s ability to report and overcome GBV cases.
“It is absolutely necessary to have a centre where victims feel heard and can get the help they need,” said Brits.
