Cape town: Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson has formalised the renewal of six State-owned properties made available to the Western Cape Department of Social Development for the continuation of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) shelter services. The properties in Aurora, Albertinia, Heidelberg, Laingsburg, and Moorreesburg are crucial for supporting shelter and care services for survivors of GBVF. The renewal ensures that these essential services continue uninterrupted.
According to South African Government News Agency, the signing ceremony was held at the Western Cape Department of Social Development on Wednesday. Minister Macpherson formalised the renewal of the properties, which are made available to the Western Cape Provincial MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, for the ongoing provision of shelter and support services for victims and survivors of GBVF. Macpherson highlighted the department's commitment to ensuring that public property is used for public benefit rather than remaining idle.
The renewal is part of a broader initiative by the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure to ensure state-owned properties are actively used to support service delivery. This initiative also involves identifying 801 unused and non-essential state-owned properties for sale or repurposing.
Minister Macpherson emphasized, "When I took office, I made it clear that public assets must be used for the public good. This renewal gives practical meaning to that commitment by ensuring that these state-owned properties continue serving as safe spaces for some of the most vulnerable people in our society." He expressed pride in supporting the Western Cape Department of Social Development and its partners in providing essential services to GBVF victims and survivors.
Jaco Londt, the Provincial MEC for Social Development, also expressed his support, stating that the partnership with the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure will play a significant role in aiding victims and survivors of gender-based violence. Londt noted, "This renewal reflects our shared commitment to putting the needs of our citizens first. By continuing this partnership, we are ensuring that these properties remain safe havens for women, children, and vulnerable people fleeing gender-based violence and other crises."
The renewal process underscores Macpherson's dedication to ensuring public assets are utilized for the public good, particularly where they support vulnerable communities and frontline social services.