A new non-profit organisation aimed at supporting survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) has been officially launched in Mamelodi, with a focus on healing, skills development and economic empowerment.
The Healing Lives Foundation was launched at the Mamelodi Community Hall in east Pretoria, with Gauteng Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko joining government leaders, civil society organisations and community members to mark the occasion.
Foundation Supports GBVF Survivors
Operating under the theme "From Crisis to Career – From Silence to Strength", the Healing Lives Foundation is committed to preventing gender-based violence while helping survivors rebuild their lives.
The organisation will provide a range of support services, including:
- Psychosocial support and aftercare.
- Skills development programmes.
- Job readiness training.
- Community awareness initiatives.
- Economic empowerment opportunities.
The foundation aims to help survivors regain their confidence, independence and dignity while reducing the risk of returning to abusive environments.
Economic Empowerment Key To Recovery
The organisation believes financial independence is an important part of helping survivors escape abusive relationships and build sustainable futures.
By combining psychosocial support with education, skills development and employment opportunities, the foundation hopes to improve long-term outcomes for survivors of GBVF.
Government Welcomes The Initiative
Speaking at the launch, Gauteng Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed the establishment of the foundation and reaffirmed government's commitment to supporting organisations that assist vulnerable women and children.
“We are pleased to launch this programme with you that can assist vulnerable women and children. As the department, we are committing to work with you to declare war against gender-based violence,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.
She said government remains committed to ending the cycle of violence and called on communities, faith-based organisations, civil society and other stakeholders to work together to protect women and children and build safer communities.
Giving Survivors A Voice
Healing Lives Foundation founder and Director Siphokazi Buwa said the organisation was established to support women who often suffer in silence because they lack the resources and support needed to leave abusive situations.
“Our women suffer because they do not have a voice. So, we started this foundation to say, let us give you your voice back. Let us give you hope. Let us lead you to the light, so that you know that where you are, it is not the end, and it does not have to be the end,” Buwa said.
She explained that the foundation's vision extends beyond providing immediate assistance by helping survivors access education, develop new skills and secure sustainable employment.
“As we come together and launch the Healing Lives Foundation today, let us look forward to seeing more happening for our survivors. We want them to be educated and have jobs so that they do not become secondary victims,” she said.
Strengthening Community Responses To GBVF
Mamelodi is one of Gauteng's identified GBVF hotspots and continues to experience high levels of violence against women.
The launch of the Healing Lives Foundation is intended to strengthen community-based responses to GBVF by providing survivors with practical support, opportunities and hope for the future.
Former Deputy President Baleka Mbete also attended the launch, reinforcing the need for continued collaboration between government, communities, civil society and the private sector to combat gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa.
