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) says that this Women’s Month, it also wants to shine a spotlight on the contemptable ongoing practice by some SAPS officers of encouraging or permitting the withdrawal of gender-based violence (GBV) cases. “This is not a procedural failure – it’s a betrayal of justice,” says the NSMSA. “Pushing survivors to drop charges...Continue reading
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) – an umbrella organisation supporting a network of over 100 gender-based violence (GBV) shelters across the country – expresses deep concern and sorrow over the tragic murder-suicide in Soweto involving a senior police officer, who allegedly took the lives of his intimate partner and her brother, before turning the weapon on himself....
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...
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
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
The National Shelter Movement of South Africa (NSMSA) is appalled and outraged by the acquittal of Timothy Omotoso and his co-accused on charges of rape, human trafficking, and racketeering. This verdict is not just a failure of the justice system – it is a devastating betrayal of every survivor who has ever come forward seeking justice. A Justice System That...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...