The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) – a national body supporting over 100 shelters that provide refuge for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) – has launched a crowd funding campaign on Back-a-Buddy to keep its National GBV Helpline running. For many women and children trapped in abusive homes, the Helpline is the first life-saving step toward freedom and safety.
“The Helpline isn’t just a number that people call – it’s often the difference between life and death,” says the NSMSA. “We use it to place women and children in shelters, help them plan their escape safely, and link them to trauma support. We also need to maintain equipment, print safety planning materials, train staff, and raise awareness. All of this takes funding – and right now, we simply don’t have enough.”
Since 2020, the NSMSA has supported survivors by offering access to safe accommodation, legal help, trauma counselling, and practical assistance to rebuild their lives. But now, due to continued funding shortfalls from government, the very tool that helps survivors reach out – the Emergency Helpline – is under threat.
For well over a decade, shelters have faced ongoing funding delays and budget cuts from the Department of Social Development (DSD). These delays have led to operational disruptions – some shelters have even been forced to turn survivors away. The situation has become untenable.
Against this backdrop, the NSMSA expressed shock at reports that the Gauteng Provincial Department of Social Development returned approximately R500 million in unspent funds to National Treasury between the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 financial years – despite repeated pleas from shelters for urgent support.
Despite these hurdles, shelters continue to support survivors with care, strength, and compassion. Their impact is life-changing – as shared by some of the women who have come through their doors.
“For years, I was emotionally and physically abused by my partner. I was isolated, scared, and unsure how to leave. Calling the Helpline was the moment I chose to fight for myself and my son,” says Thuli, a survivor who was later placed in a shelter through the NSMSA. “At the shelter, I finally felt safe. I learnt it wasn’t our fault – and that we deserved more. That phone call changed our lives.”
Zanele, another survivor, shares: “Before I got help, I carried so much anger, fear, and pain. The trauma consumed me. At the shelter, I began to heal. I learnt to trust again, even if carefully. I forgave myself and found the strength to move forward. I even found a healthy relationship, something I never thought possible.”
For Ayanda, aged 20, the shelter gave her hope for her future. “While staying there, I passed my matric, got my learner’s licence, and started believing in myself again. I’m so grateful – it changed everything.”
The NSMSA hopes to raise R500,000, which will sustain Helpline operations until June 2026. While this is a short-term goal, the broader crisis remains: shelters across the country are overwhelmed, underfunded, and at risk of closing – even as GBV rates continue to rise.
“People often forget the toll this work takes – on survivors and on staff,” adds the NSMSA. “Shelter teams give their all, often without enough support themselves. They need mentoring, counselling, and proper resources. And while we would love to do this work without needing to ask for help, the reality is: we can’t.
If we lose the Helpline, survivors lose access to help. That’s not just a service gap – it’s a life-and-death crisis. We’re appealing to the public to help us keep the line open.”
To support the NSMSA’s campaign, please visit: A United Voice Against GBVF | Back-a-Buddy
Contact the National Shelter GBV Helpline by calling 0800 001 005, or send an SMS, WhatsApp or Please Call Me to 082 057 8600 | 082 058 2215 | 072 230 7147, or send an email to infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za. *Business are encouraged to include this information on their websites, intranets and social media.
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