A look back at some of the work of the first cohort of Sukuthula grantees.
Every year, civil society organisations use the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence to advocate, inform, and push for policy and legal changes that will protect girls and women. One of the things we can do is support community-based organisations (CBOs) that are responding to the needs of women and girls, with little to no support from mainstream donors.
This is why DGMT and its partners, the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project and the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, have invested in the Sukuthula! Unmute & Act initiative, which supports 36 CBOs in Limpopo and the Eastern Cape. We want to highlight their work.
Through programmes like those by Stepping Stones, participants overcame their fear of the unknown, building confidence and leadership skills. One participant transformed from a shy individual into a leader, inspiring her peers with her resilience and strength.
A spoken-word poetry event hosted in partnership with a local community centre became a space for cultural expression and connection, fostering social cohesion and solidarity against GBV.
Participants have honed storytelling skills, gaining confidence in sharing their narratives and driving advocacy. Collaboration across diverse cultural backgrounds has cultivated empathy, inclusivity, and a deeper understanding of shared challenges.
From Mmane Johanna Foundation’s efforts to protect school learners from exploitative relationships through skills development and self-awareness programmes, to Faith and Hope Integrated AIDS Programme’s impactful door-to-door campaigns, these organisations are creating safe spaces, offering support, and educating their communities.
The Second Chance Foundation has raised awareness among people with disabilities, helping them distinguish between forms of abuse and GBV while uncovering alarming instances of unreported violence within their communities.
The Caroline Thema Foundation has focused on Thokgwaneng, where high rates of GBV, rape, and substance abuse have highlighted the need for collective action. Their collaboration with government and local leaders has driven the establishment of Gender-Based Violence Desks and Victim-Friendly Rooms at police stations to provide survivors with safe spaces and the support they need.
One organisation, Areyeng Development Resource, faced unimaginable tragedy in 2023 when one of its GBV champions lost her two sons and husband in an act of domestic violence. This heart-breaking event strengthened their resolve to prevent such tragedies, leading to the establishment of GBV clubs for children aged 5-14. These clubs aim to empower children with the knowledge and skills to recognise GBV, understand its impact, and advocate for change. During this year’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign, young members have taken an active role in raising awareness through events and demonstrations.
In collaboration with victim shelters, this organisation also provides safe havens for vulnerable children, while continuing to raise awareness about GBV’s devastating impact among youth. A notable challenge they face is engaging boys and young men, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to involve them in GBV prevention and support.
However, challenges persist: systemic inefficiencies in GBV response, like fingerprint matching and resource allocation hinder the fight against violence as pointed out by Practical CBO Development Solutions in a letter to the President. Faith and Hope Integrated AIDS Programme shared a similar story of how a survivor fleeing an abusive home struggled to access vital healthcare due to administrative barriers.
Muledane River Cross hosted a GBV awareness campaign for children, reaching 45 participants. Through activities led by teachers and community stakeholders, children gained knowledge about GBV, its impacts, and how to seek help, fostering resilience and advocacy skills. Door-to-door visits in Maungani reached 182 community members, uncovering cases of neglect, elder exploitation, and various forms of abuse. These private interactions provided a safe space for discussions, leading to referrals and interventions that brought peace to affected households. At Devhula Lebowa Women’s Hall, the 16 Days of Activism launch engaged 20 stakeholders, including SAPS, NPA, and the Department of Education. Stakeholders highlighted access to victim services, GBV legislation, and anti-bullying initiatives, reinforcing a collective commitment to combating violence. Individual stories, like a man seeking help for abuse by his wife and a grandmother suffering from her grandson’s violence, underscore the campaign’s role in driving impactful, community-centred solutions.
Jersey Farm Advice and Information Centre partnered with SAPS, the Department of Justice, and Social Development to raise awareness on GBV and femicide during the 16 Days of Activism. Workshops in schools led to the formation of Human Rights Clubs, where learners are educated about GBV, human rights, and anti-bullying. During door-to-door visits, the team assisted an elderly woman facing abuse from her son, arranging counselling for the family while addressing her safety concerns. To engage young boys positively, the organisation donated a football kit to a local team, promoting education, responsibility, and GBV awareness through sport.
Yhawe Centre for the Disabled responded swiftly to a Facebook report of a two-year-old molested by her grandmother’s boyfriend in Ginsberg. Partnering with social workers and police, the centre ensured the child’s rescue, the perpetrator’s arrest, and the grandmother’s safety from community anger. Four days later, Ginsberg residents marched in King William’s Town, demonstrating zero tolerance for GBV and child molestation. While the case is ongoing, the child is now in a safe house. The centre continues to work tirelessly to build community trust and eradicate the hidden “monster” of GBV.
Lusikisiki Paralegal Advice Centre played a key role in supporting families after a mass killing in Ngobozana, where 18 family members were tragically murdered. Partnering with the Lusikisiki GBVF Combat Team, the centre provided counselling, organised a dignified burial, and continued home visits to monitor and support affected families. In Luzuphu, the centre assisted a young GBV survivor and her grandmother by facilitating medical care, counselling, and providing a new school uniform to help her rebuild confidence. At Cabekwana, the centre intervened to help a family of eight without ID documents, securing medical care for a child with urgent health needs. Efforts to ensure full access to services are ongoing. Through its work, the centre has become a vital resource for the community, addressing trauma and advocating for justice.
