The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) welcomes the appointment of Dr Zubeda Dangor to the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF), describing the decision as an important milestone for the shelter sector and South Africa’s broader response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). Dr Dangor, a clinical psychologist, GBVF specialist and one of the country’s most experienced shelter-sector leaders, is among seven members appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to serve on the statutory body from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029.
“As we begin Women’s Month, we welcome the long-awaited activation of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide. These appointments mark a critical milestone in South Africa’s efforts to address the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). For years, civil society organisations, government stakeholders, survivors, activists, and communities have advocated for a permanent, multi-sectoral structure capable of providing strategic leadership, oversight, and accountability in the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSPGBVF),” says Dianne Massawe, Chairperson of the Board of the NSMSA.
“This also marks the first time that the shelter sector, through the NSMSA, has secured representation within the country’s permanent coordinating structure, which was established to oversee the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSPGBVF). Therefore, the establishment of the Council is a significant affirmation that GBVF are not merely social challenges, but a national crisis requiring sustained, coordinated, and decisive action. We are encouraged by this progress and look forward to seeing the Council drive greater collaboration across government, civil society, the private sector, and communities to strengthen prevention, response, and accountability efforts,” adds Massawe.
Dr Dangor brings almost three decades of experience spanning clinical psychology, survivor support, shelter management, advocacy, research, training and policy development. As co-founder and long-serving Executive Director of the Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development and a founding leader of the NSMSA, she has played a pivotal role in strengthening South Africa’s shelter sector and expanding support systems for women and children escaping violence. Her appointment helps ensure that the experience of shelters – working directly with survivors every day – will be represented at the highest level of national decision-making.
“While no single institution can resolve the crisis of gender-based violence and femicide, the council presents an important opportunity to strengthen coordination, accountability and sustained action across government, civil society and communities. The appointment of Dr Dangor and the other council members demonstrates a commitment to bringing together diverse perspectives and expertise to address one of the country’s most pressing challenges,” says Joy Lange, a board member of the NSMSA.
Research, examining the response of the South African Police Service (SAPS) to gender-based violence, also ensures improved understanding of the serious gaps in survivor protection, referral pathways and accountability.
“The National Shelter Movement of South Africa brings decades of frontline experience to this work. Our member organisations engage with survivors every day, and we therefore understand both the realities they face and the gaps that continue to exist in protection, support and long-term recovery. This practical experience helps to ensure that policies and decisions remain firmly grounded in the lived experiences of survivors,” adds Lange.
The NSMSA has consistently maintained that an effective response to GBVF depends not only on strong legislation and policy frameworks, but also on sustainable funding, improved coordination and properly resourced frontline services. Dr Dangor’s appointment is expected to strengthen the council’s understanding of the operational realities confronting shelters and community-based organisations across the country.
“It is essential that shelters have effective representation, and we believe that, with Dr Dangor serving on the council, we are well positioned to ensure that the realities, experiences and challenges facing shelters are properly represented. We are confident that the voices of shelters and the people they serve will find meaningful expression within the work of the council.”
“Now that the appointments have been announced, we hope the council will move swiftly into action. This work is long overdue, and we look forward to seeing meaningful progress as the council begins addressing the urgent challenges of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa,” says Greer Schoeman, a board member of the NSMSA.
The organisation also emphasised the importance of ensuring that the council is adequately resourced to fulfil its mandate. Shelter services remain heavily dependent on domestic investment and sustained government support, particularly as community organisations continue to respond to growing demand for assistance. Dr Dangor’s appointment will help ensure that the knowledge and experience of frontline organisations inform practical interventions, stronger accountability and more effective support for survivors.
“It is important to recognise that South Africa already has strong legislation and policies addressing gender-based violence and femicide. One of our greatest challenges, however, has been ensuring consistent implementation, effective coordination across sectors and sustained accountability. From the perspective of the National Shelter Movement, the council provides an important opportunity to ensure that frontline experience informs national decision-making. Shelters and community organisations understand the realities that survivors face every day, and these insights should help shape policy, planning and, in particular, resource allocation,” says Massawe.
Do You or Someone You Know Need Help?
Contact the National GBV Shelter Helpline (Toll-free, 24/7): 0800 001 005 or SMS/WhatsApp/Please Call Me: 082 057 8600 | 082 058 2215 | 072 230 7147 or Email: infohelpline@nationalsm.org.za
To support the National Shelter Helpline, please visit: A United Voice Against GBVF | Back-a-Buddy
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