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
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
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) heads to Sydney Australia this week, to participate in the 5th World Conference of Women’s Shelters (5WCWS) – the world’s largest gathering by and for those working on the frontline to end gender-based violence. Happening for the first time in the Southern Hemisphere, the conference runs from 15 to 18 September 2025....
As youth unemployment reaches an all-time high, at 62.4%, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) revealed shocking evidence that economic hardship, gender inequality and social media trends are driving blesser/blessee relationships between older men and young women and girls in South Africa. NSMSA National Coordinator, Anisa Moosa, says “Our biggest concern about these blesser/blessee relationships is their contribution...Continue reading
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...
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...
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
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...