​The Gauteng Department of Social Development, Northern Corridor recently concluded the signing of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with local Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) for the 2025–2026 financial year. Among those continuing their vital work is Open Disclosure, a Soshanguve-based NPO founded by renowned sexual rights campaigner and television presenter Andile Gaelesiwe.

With these renewed agreements, the Department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the fight against substance abuse continues without interruption.


Founded in 2002, Open Disclosure was born out of Gaelesiwe’s own traumatic experiences. She survived sexual abuse at the hands of her father at the age of 11, and later by a taxi driver. These harrowing events led her to create safe spaces for others to share their stories, beginning with informal gatherings in public parks.


“While working at YFM, we used to host talks in parks. So many people came to speak out that the late former Minister of Social Development, Dr. Zola Skweyiya, introduced me to the Gauteng Department of Social Development. That’s when we formalised the programme,” said Gaelesiwe.


The organisation's first office was established in Johannesburg’s inner city, with a primary focus on gender-based violence. However, it wasn’t long before a disturbing pattern emerged.

“We realised that many survivors of gender-based violence were turning to drugs to cope. That was a shocking discovery for me,” she said. In response, Open Disclosure expanded its services to include substance abuse support.


Following increased demand, the organisation opened a second office in Soshanguve, with support from the then Head of Department, Shoki Tshabalala. Today, Open Disclosure provides a holistic approach to healing, which includes spa and ice bath treatments to support the physical and emotional recovery of clients.


“We noticed that many of the people we intake are physically unwell. Once they recover, they often want to give back and help others, which shows us that recovery truly is a life long journey,”Gaelesiwe added. For the 2025–2026 financial year, Open Disclosure is funded by the Department under the Ke Moja Programme, Prevention and Awareness campaigns, as well as Out patient services, ensuring their essential work in communities.