Durban — In a heartwarming gesture this festive season, Dumisani Mthethwa, a DJ at King Cetshwayo FM, alongside the Stand Out Foundation and Lungelo Youth Development donated clothes to Ngwelezane Place of Safety.

This event served as a critical reminder of the ongoing support needed for victims of gender-based violence (GBV), especially in South Africa’s rural areas, where resources are scarce.

The clothes, collected from various civil society organisations and generous individuals, aimed to provide a brighter Christmas for children who reside at the Ngwelezane safe house. Many of these young individuals find themselves separated from their families due to abuse or other unfortunate circumstances, which exacerbate their vulnerabilities.

Dumisani Mthethwa, a DJ at King Cetshwayo FM, alongside the Stand Out Foundation and Lungelo Youth Development, donated clothes to Ngwelezane Place of Safety. Picture supplied

Among those present at the donation handover were Justin Rollo of Rollo Roofing, professional nurse Phumzile Nxumalo, learner support agent Queen Mkhize, Zandile Mthimkhulu, the founding director of the Stand Out Foundation, and the ever-charismatic MC Qwabe from Umuntu noBuntu Foundation. Their collective presence highlighted the community's commitment to uplifting those in need.

Mthimkhulu, speaking during the event, stressed the urgent need for additional support for safe houses in rural regions such as Ngwelezane Place of Safety.

“Currently, there is no other safe space for victims in this area,” she lamented, emphasizing the importance of such initiatives in safeguarding vulnerable individuals.

The festive donation not only brightened the holiday spirits of the children at Ngwelezane but also served as a call to action for the broader community and government entities to rally in support of safe houses across the country. “It is crucial for our victims, especially the children, to feel loved and supported during this time of year,” Mthimkhulu added.

As South Africa continues to grapple with the scourge of gender-based violence, the efforts of these organisations and individuals showcase the potential for community-led initiatives to make a significant impact.

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