​aOn Tuesday, 08 April 2025, the Gauteng Social Development MEC Faith Mazibuko received five unused state buildings to be utilised as shelters for survivors of gender-based violence and human trafficking from Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson in Waterkloof, Pretoria.
The properties, three located in Pretoria and two in Johannesburg, were initially handed over to the Gauteng Department of Social Development by then Public Works Minister Patricia de Lille in 2019 after Cabinet adopted the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. Due to budget constraints, administrative delays, and bureaucratic red tape, the Department was unable to occupy them. The properties will be repurposed into shelters and safe spaces dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking during the handover ceremony, Social Development Minister Nokuzola Tolashe pledged to collaborate with Macpherson to establish shelters in all 52 districts of SouthAfrica. Tolasheemphasisedthe need for tangible solutions to combat GBV, stating that it was the country's "second pandemic".
 
She added, "Of particular concern is that women, children, Persons with Disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community disproportionately bear the brunt of GBV, often having their rights severely violated. Tragically, women and children frequently lose their lives at the hands of those closest to them. Many GBV cases remain unreported because victims as some may be depending on their perpetrators for livelihood."

The shelters will meet basic needs such as protection, food, accommodation, and clothing, as well as provide comprehensive support, including counselling, skills development, and various therapeutic interventions. Services provided will include life skills training, psychosocial support, play therapy, and healing and restoration programmes.
 
Speaking at the same event, Mazibuko said that her Department spends almost R2,000 on each beneficiary at the shelters for GBV survivors, with monthly expenses including meals, toiletries, transportation, and accommodation. “We also fund skills development, and while they may already have skills, we cannot just keep a person sitting there. We do find a way to also upskill them. They may be interested in doing other things so that when they exit the shelter, they can take care of themselves, ”she said. She indicated that the maximum stay at the shelter is six months; however, those who can find alternative accommodation or are ready to return to their families can be released earlier.
 
The handover of shelters comes at a time when the Gender Commission raised concerns about “few to no” shelters for gay and lesbian people in many provinces in its annual report. In the report, it stated, “It is not uncommon for gay men to be excluded from shelters, regardless of their status as victims, and lesbian women may not be able to gain access to women’s shelters.”

Shelters in South Africa play a crucial role in ensuring that survivors are protected, and that justice is realised.