The Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez said, “I welcome the final signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) and the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI).
The signing of the MoU on the 29th October 2020, follows a delayed process since the initial announcement by the National Minister of Public Works, Patricia De Lille, on the 4th of March 2020, that six National government-owned properties in the Western Cape would be made available as safe havens for women and children.”
The respective properties are situated in the Garden Route, West Coast and the Central Karoo areas, expanding the Western Cape’s safety net for the vulnerable women and children, particularly in our rural areas.
Minister Fernandez said, “ Now that the MoU has been signed by all the necessary stakeholders, DSD with the support of its NPO partners, will ensure that all the respective refurbishments takes place so that we will be ready to start taking clients in the new year.”
[Please see attached photos for pictures of shelters before refurbishment]
As the custodians of the properties and in line with section 38 of the Public Finance Management Act (1999), the National Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) will be responsible for the maintenance and repairs of the buildings, while the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) will take responsibility for the operational costs of the properties.
Victim empowerment services to be rendered at the six properties will include, amongst others psycho-social support, healthcare, and legal services. Once open, the shelters will be accessible 24 hours, seven days a week.
“ By working together, we can have #OneVoice united against gender-based violence, 365 days of the year,” concluded,” Minister Fernandez.
