NSMSA Domestic Violence Safety Planning 2024

While South Africa is in lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus, for some, isolating at homepresents additional risks. Know that help is available during the lockdown – for anyone at risk of domesticand gender-based violence. NSMSA DV Saftey Planning – CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD Download the Safety Plan – for staying safe while enduring an abusive relationship, or...

NSMSA Indaba Report 2024

The Fourth Indaba, convened on 16th – 17th October 2024 by the National Shelter Movement inpartnership with the National Department of Social Development and the Heinrich Boell Foundation(HBF, built onto the three previous Indabas, by beginning to assert the articulation of progressivesheltering as a framework that could provide a vision for strengthened sheltering in South Africa. Inalignment with previous Indabas,...Continue reading

NSMSA Annual Report 2024

NSMSA Annual Report 2024

It is with great pride, gratitude and sadness that I present the Annual Report of the National ShelterMovement of South Africa (NSMSA) for 2023/2024. There is the saying that a sign of good work is workingoneself out of a job. However, although GREAT work is being done it does not seem like we are makingsubstantial gains in combating violence against...Continue reading

NEWS | Shelter Movement Responds To Budget Speech: Funding Shortfalls Still Threaten GBVF Response

14 March 2025: The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) acknowledges the reduced VAT increase from 2% to 0.5% as a minor relief for shelters but remains deeply concerned about the broader funding gaps and Treasury’s weak response to addressing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in the national budget. While the slower rise in costs slightly alleviates immediate financial...

NEWS | Shelters in Crisis: VAT Increase Could Leave GBV Victims Without Refuge

With the country left in suspense following the cancellation of the Budget Speech, last month, all eyes are now on what could be a make-or-break fiscal announcement. As speculation swirls over a potential 2% VAT hike, South Africa’s shelters for abused women and children are bracing for devastating consequences. The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) warns that, at...Continue reading

Helpline Contact Information

NEWS | Stay Safe this Festive Season: GBV Helpline is Available Day and Night

The festive season brings joy and celebration – but for many, it’s also a time of heightened vulnerability to domestic violence and abuse. The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) reminds survivors that help is available 24/7, no matter where you are in the country. The NSMSA’s toll-free helpline (0800 001 005), staffed by trained social workers, provides critical...

NSMSA Receives Award at the “Change the Script” Campaign Launch

NEWS | NSMSA Receives Award at the “Change the Script” Campaign Launch

On 30 November 2024, Dr. Zubeda Dangor – representing the Nisaa Institute for Women’s Development and the National Shelter Movement of SA (NSMSA) – attended the launch of Tosunga Baninga’s “Change the Script” campaign, which focuses on challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence and fostering a culture of accountability. The event, held as part of the 16 Days of Activism...

Administrative Failures are Failing Survivors

NEWS | NSMSA: “Administrative Failures are Failing Survivors”

9 December 2024: The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) deplores the systemic failures exposed in the Public Protector’s latest report on gender-based violence (GBV). The findings paint a harrowing picture of survivors left stranded by an ineffective justice system, placing immense strain on the country’s shelters. For the NSMSA the report is both a wake-up call and a...Continue reading

Businesses Must Step Up in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

NEWS | Businesses Urged to Step Up in the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide

28 November 2024: The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) is calling on the private sector to take greater responsibility in addressing the country’s escalating crisis of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). As the nation marks 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the NSMSA emphasises that the epidemic of violence against women not only...