Question NW3853 to the Minister of Social Development
23 December 2022 - NW3853
Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Social Development
With reference to the reply to question 3364 on 10 October 2022, pertaining to the lack of shelters for victims of gender-based violence and femicide in the Northern Cape rural areas, what (a) are the reasons that there are none and the specified province has to rely on neighbouring provinces for assistance and (b) plans have been put in place to establish shelters in the Northern Cape?
Reply:
a) There are two districts with no shelters in the Province, it is Namaqua and John Taolo Gaetsewe districts. The Department did not establish a shelter in Namaqua District in the past years due to the fact that there was no statistics of victims needing sheltering services in the district.
John Taolo district also does not have a shelter but has a White Door Centre to accommodate victims who need sheltering services.
b) Plans are underway to finalize the establishment of shelters in Namakwa and JTG Districts. There is a white door in Bankara Budulong in JTG District for emergency placement. Clients who prefer sheltering services are not taken to neighbouring Provinces, but are given the option to be admitted to a shelter in the Northern Cape Province.
The renovations for the shelter in Nababeep and purchasing of furniture is completed and the agreement between the Municipality and Department, must be finalized, before operationalization can occur.
The decision regarding the condition of the shelter between DSD and Kathu Solar Park, will be finalized in November 2022, which will determine the Plan of Action.