GBVF memo calls for men’s forum and halfway house in Kimberley

A MEMORANDUM was handed over at the Department of Social Development during a march held in Kimberley this week as part of ongoing efforts to address Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and social ills. 

Shaine Griqua from the Shaine Griqua Advice and Development Centre (SGADC) stated that a diverse group of participants emphasised the role men needed to assume in the fight against GBVF and as protectors within families and communities.

He advised that the fight against GBVF went hand in hand with the fight against substance abuse, unemployment, and service delivery challenges.

“LGBTIQA+ persons, boys and men require affirming, safe, and accessible services, including shelters and counselling spaces. individuals in the province, given the rise in incidence of violence, homelessness, stigma, trauma, and recent killings of LGBTIQA+ individuals in the province.”

He proposed that a men’s day shelter be piloted where counselling, psychosocial support, and referral services were offered. 

“An increasing number of boys are dropping out of school due to poverty, substance abuse, and social instability. There is an urgent need for a halfway house in Kimberley, targeted Foetal Alcohol Syndrome interventions, as well as more drug rehabilitation services to meet the growing demand.” 

Griqua is motivated for the renewal of the Isolobantwana Programme (Eye on the Child) with the idea of men taking charge of the initiative.

He indicated that a Men’s Forum, led by men from the Local Steering Committee on GBVF, would work in partnership with the Department of Social Development to advocate for the protection of vulnerable community members.

“GBVF is a societal responsibility—particularly for men. We call all men to stand up, speak out, and act as watchdogs and allies against GBVF remains central to the outcomes of this initiative,” he added.