The Gauteng Social Development MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, joined government leaders, civil society organisations and members of the community in supporting the official launch of the Healing Lives Foundation at the Mamelodi Community Hall in east of Pretoria.
Operating under the theme: “From Crisis to Career – From Silence to Strength”, the foundation is a non-profit organisation committed to preventing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), while empowering survivors through comprehensive aftercare services, psychosocial support, skills development initiatives, job readiness and community awareness programmes.
The launch on Saturday, 18 July 2026, served as a powerful call for collective action to end GBVF and underscored the importance of creating safe spaces where survivors can heal, rebuild their lives and regain their dignity.
The initiative also seeks to promote economic empowerment, recognising financial independence as a critical step in helping survivors break free from abusive environments.
Mamelodi remains one of Gauteng’s identified GBVF hotspots and consistently ranks among the country’s areas with high levels of violence against women.
The launch of the foundation represents an important intervention aimed at providing support, hope and opportunities for survivors within the community.
Addressing community members, Nkomo-Ralehoko welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed government’s commitment to partnering with organisations that provide support to 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 added that government remains resolute in its commitment to ending the cycle of violence and called on all sectors of society to play an active role in protecting women and children.
She further emphasised that government, communities, faith-based organisations and civil society must continue working together to prevent violence, protect survivors and build safer communities where women and children can live free from fear.
Healing Lives Foundation founder and Director, Siphokazi Buwa, said many women continue to suffer in silence because they lack the support and resources needed to escape 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 added that the organisation’s vision extends beyond providing immediate support by ensuring survivors have access to education, skills development and sustainable employment opportunities.
“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.
The event was also attended by former Deputy President Baleka Mbete, a longstanding advocate in the fight against GBVF. Her presence reinforced the urgent need for government, civil society, communities and the private sector to work together to end violence against women and children.
The launch of the Healing Lives Foundation marks another important step in strengthening community-based responses to GBVF and advancing a united front against one of South Africa’s most pressing social challenges. – SAnews.gov.za
