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) 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
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....
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...
This Youth Month, the National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) is shining a spotlight on the resilience of young women who are surviving and rising beyond gender-based violence. One such voice is Ayanda Mkhize, a 27-year-old mother who has turned her personal trauma into a mission of awareness and hope. Ayanda, who fell into an abusive relationship in her...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...
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
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...
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...