The latest first-quarter crime statistics, recently released by the South African Police Service (SAPS), paint a devastating picture of the gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) national disaster in South Africa. “These terrifying statistics underscore the urgent need to strengthen the country’s already overstretched network of shelters for women and safe spaces for survivors and reinforce exactly why the upcoming 6th...Continue reading
Johannesburg, South Africa – Nearly a year after gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) was classified as a national disaster, South Africa’s frontline shelter sector says the response remains far too slow – and that the organisations supporting survivors are themselves struggling to survive. In two weeks, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) will host the Sixth National Shelter...Continue reading
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...Continue reading
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) notes the appointment of Minister Dina Pule as Minister of Social Development following a period of public concern regarding leadership, governance and accountability. It is a pivotal moment for the department and for the millions of vulnerable South Africans who rely on its services. “Leadership transitions inevitably create uncertainty, but our priority...Continue reading
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: 21 May 2026 FOUR YEARS. THREE PROTESTS. ONE COURT ORDER. ONE MEDIATION. ZERO CHANGE. Gauteng’s social care sector takes to the streets again as the Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) neglects its own funding policy for the fourth consecutive year – and vulnerable communities pay the price. Hundreds of non-profit organisations will picket outside the...
As South Africa prepares to commemorate thirty-two (32) years of Freedom Day on 27 April, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) is calling for urgent national reflection on what freedom truly means in a country where gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has now been classified as a national disaster. “This classification formalises what shelters across the country have...
Before we become completely consumed by this New Year, here’s a snapshot of NSMSA’s 2025 highlights – it was a year marked by both urgency and impact in the fight against gender‑based violence and femicide (GBVF). In this edition, we reflect on our continued advocacy for shelters that serve as critical gender-based violence (GBV) disruptors, at a time when GBVF...Continue reading
With Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) officially declared a national disaster, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) is calling for urgent awareness and support now that the 16 Days of Activism campaign has come to an end, and with the country entering the Festive Season, which is recognised as a high-risk period. At the heart of this call...Continue reading
Sindisiwe Msimango, NSMSA Provincial Representative for Mpumalanga, joined the Women’s Shutdown on 21 November, in solidarity with GBV survivors and calling for urgent action and meaningful support for shelters and #SafeHouses across South Africa. Continue reading
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) wrapped up its 5th Annual GBV Shelter Indaba with a powerful message: shelters are transforming lives, driving policy change, and building a stronger national response to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), but these critical GBVF disruptors need more support. This year’s expanded three-day Indaba featured workshops, film screenings, policy dialogues, and a...Continue reading