Shelters get serious revamp from the department

Gauteng Housing MEC Nomvula Mokonyane and Social Development MEC Kgaogelo Lekgoro launched 16 days of activism as part of fighting against the abuse of women and children by renovating a shelter in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni recently.

This year the department engages in the renovation of shelters for the victims of abuse. The rallying theme for this year is "Homes of Hope in 16 days ".

Of the 16 shelters the department has started with five shelters and will continue to look for partnerships to renovate the remaining 11 until next year's campaign.

The department has identified at least 16 shelters throughout the province that need urgent attention and is engaging stakeholders in ensuring that this project is not a once off project.

MEC Mokonyane said "this initiative illustrates that while the department's core business is to build houses, it cares about the plight of the abused. Society cannot turn a blind eye on the plight of our women and children who often suffer abuse. They need to be housed in a conducive environment where they are safe. I hope this gesture will go a long a way in restoring the dignity of the victims and heal their pain".

Both MECs' where joined by a handful department staff members as well as those from the sponsors. The initiative was to reinforce awareness regarding issue around the abuse of women and children in our country.