Khayelitsha NPO calls for unity against domestic violence and support for LGBTQI+ community

A Khayelitsha-based non-profit is calling on communities to unite against domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV), while also supporting members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI+) community.

On Friday, February 21, Umtha Welanga hosted an awareness campaign at the Masiphumelele Development Centre to empower residents and address what it described as “persisting social ills.” The organisation provides family support programmes, home-based care, and assistance to orphans and vulnerable children. Since its establishment in 2000, it has also supported survivors of GBV, domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse, and currently works closely with members of the LGBTQI+ community.

Stakeholders who attended the event included Lingelethu West Police, the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD), Kheth'Impilo, the Thuthuzela Care Centre, and various non-governmental organisations.

The organisation’s director, Vivienne Mciteka, stated that the campaign aimed to educate the community about social challenges, particularly those affecting victims of GBV and members of the LGBTQI+ community.

“We saw a need to revitalise awareness around GBV, domestic violence, and support for the LGBTQI+ community. We felt the community needed to better understand the problems and challenges people are facing. We invited stakeholders so that residents know where to report cases and access services. We are also bringing services closer to the people,” she said.

Ms Mciteka added that since its inception in 2020, the organisation has remained committed to strengthening families and protecting vulnerable groups through its various support programmes.

Lingelethu West police spokesperson Sergeant Xoliswa Nyalambisa expressed encouragement that more people are reporting GBV and domestic violence cases and are beginning to understand the differences between the two. She attributed this progress to ongoing awareness campaigns led by community organisations.

“We are happy that people are now standing up and reporting cases. There is also a misconception that men do not report abuse because they are not taken seriously by police. I want to dismiss that as a rumour. Our officers are professional and understand the serious consequences of domestic violence and GBV. It is encouraging to see more people coming forward,” she said.

She urged residents to report incidents and work with police to combat crime. Sergeant Nyalambisa also cautioned against remaining in toxic relationships, stressing that abuse should not be tolerated regardless of gender.

Social Development auxiliary social worker Monica Sagela called on the community to support victims of violence and stand in solidarity with them. She encouraged victims to utilise the courts to obtain protection orders.

“Let us respect each other. Our department is here to assist with referrals and to place victims in safe houses while their cases are being finalised,” she said.

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