Pretoria: Deputy Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Sihle Zikalala will launch the Wentworth Rapid Response and Gender-based Violence (GBV) facility at the Wentworth South African Police Service (SAPS) on Thursday. The facility is designed to aid in the battle against GBV, ensuring that victims receive prompt, coordinated, and supportive assistance.
According to South African Government News Agency, the facility is a response to the high levels of violent crime, gang violence, and drug-related offenses in Wentworth, which often result in gender-based violence. The center aims to support women and children who have suffered from sexual and physical violence. It will also host Department of Social Development Counsellors to provide necessary empowerment and support.
Zikalala highlighted that the launch of the GBV centre represents a collective commitment by stakeholders to combat gender-based violence. He acknowledged the citizen who donated the facility to SAPS and assured that the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI) will continue to make properties available for the fight against GBV.
To date, DPWI has provided over 35 properties nationwide to support efforts against gender-based violence.