New ambassadors launched to lead the fight against gender-based violence
Pastor Delica Haward has called for everyone to fight the scourge of gender based violence.
Image: Phiri Cawe
“I am adamant that they will change the situation.”
These were the words of Western Cape MEC for Social Development, Jaco Londt, as he welcomed 37 new Gender-Based Violence (GBV) ambassadors at the official launch of the department’s 11th GBV Ambassador programme.
The event, held at the Durbanville Conference Centre on Thursday, 24 July, marked the expansion of the initiative into the Cape Metro East region, covering areas including Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West. The programme aims to empower trained volunteers to raise awareness, support victims, and partner with police and community organisations to tackle domestic abuse and gender-based violence head-on.
Nonzame Gazi from Makhaza in Khayelitsha has committed herself to fight the scourge of violence against women and children.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Mr Londt urged the newly appointed ambassadors to serve as catalysts for change. “It is the mandate of every ambassador to fight against GBV.”
The GBV Ambassadors are trained volunteers who serve as frontline advocates within their communities, helping to connect survivors with critical support services and encouraging community engagement in addressing gender-based violence.
Among the 37 ambassadors celebrated at the launch was Nonzame Gazi, whose personal experience in working with abused individuals motivated her to become a GBV ambassador. “After seeing many victims, something built inside of me. I thought I should stand up and fight the scourge,” she said. Ms Gazi, who works with The Women’s Pathway to Emotional Freedom in Mfuleni, said the training has equipped her to make a meaningful impact in her community.
The Cape Metro East region, including Kraaifontein, Khayelitsha, Eerste River, Mfuleni, and Somerset West ambassadors, who are trained volunteers, will play a vital role in raising awareness and supporting survivors of abuse and domestic violence.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Another ambassador, Lumkile Sizila, who has worked with the Treatment Action Campaign, which has offices in the Cape Town CBD and Khayelitsha, emphasised the importance of involving men in the fight against GBV. “I want men to follow in my footsteps to fight GBV. This programme is for everybody, including men. I am here as their ambassador,” he said.
Pastor Delicia Howard from Scottsville in Kraaifontein echoed the call to action, stating that "no one is too old to fight" and encouraged people of all ages to join the movement.
Metro East regional director, Quinton Arendse, welcomed the ambassadors into the DSD family and urged them to be bold in their advocacy. “The struggle is real, and it needs strong people. But you are in safe hands,” he said, encouraging them to embrace feminism as part of the broader effort to address systemic inequality and abuse.
The event concluded with a celebratory display of singing and dancing, marking the ambassadors’ commitment to making a difference in the fight against gender-based violence.