Siya Phambili officially opened

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Siya Phambili shelter for abused women, celebrated their official opening last Wednesday after almost two years of careful planning.

Siya Phambili is a registered non-profit organisation established to provide a safe haven, support and counselling for women experiencing trauma due to gender-based violence (GBV).

According to founder member, Sakkie van Zyl, there have been many challenges, but whenever one door closed, they always saw another opening. He described GBV as an embarrassment and said they want to turn this embarrassment into an opportunity for women who have been hurt.

"In Graaff-Reinet there are about 50 instances of abuse per month. Some of the victims need rehabilitation to prevent them from having to go back home to more abuse," explained Van Zyl.

"We are immensely grateful for the premises that has been made available for this purpose; we could not have asked for a better place to establish the shelter."

Van Zyl expressed gratitude towards everyone who donated to the shelter. Mention was made of Montego Pet Nutrition for their substantial contribution that includes the curtains and linen, and Dianne Bertram who turned the shelter into a home.

"Without them we would not have been able to accommodate the women." He also thanked the ladies at the Khomanani Victim Support Centre for all their guidance and advice and Maudy Calvert, supervisor at the Siya Phambili shelter, for her assistance in creating an environment of healing and restoring where women can rehabilitate.

Van Zyl then officially declared the Siya Phambili shelter open to the community. "Siya Phambili means together we move forward," he said. "Let us take hands to bring hope to our community."

Dolan Cochrane, lead pastor of the Freedom Church, opened the evening. He said that the shelter has God's stamp of approval. "From cover to cover it is written in the Bible that God has a soft spot for the marginalised – for women, children and the disabled. It is a blessing to be connected to the shelter."

The premises where the newly established shelter is located has been made available by the Freedom Church. Cochrane thanked the Siya Phambili committee for their incredible work and for investing their time, energy and finances into making the shelter what it is today.

Following the official opening, Siya Phambili committee member John Biggs, delivered the vote of thanks and used the opportunity to thank Van Zyl. "Without Van Zyl's tenacity, none of this would have been possible," said Biggs.

Van Zyl identified GBV as a problem and after he committed to do something about it, he never stopped.

Bertram thanked Biggs for everything he has done and mentioned that he is a real go-getter when it comes to fundraising. Bertram requested those with passion for the cause who want to get involved to volunteer their services but emphasises that those who volunteer must be go-getters.

"This is not a one-man show, we will appreciate people's involvement, but do not volunteer if you are not prepared to jump in and do the work," she said. Bertram mentioned that they still have a cash-flow problem at the shelter and need food supplies. The shelter took in a total of 10 women, even before it officially opened. At present, there are two women and five children at the shelter. To provide three meals per day is a bit challenging. For this reason, any food donations that can be made during this period up until they receive their funding will be greatly appreciated.

The event was concluded with the planting of a tree. Van Zyl explained that the tree symbolises life.

"If you want to plant for six months, plant seed. If you want to plant for six years, plant a tree. What we established here is not only for six months or even six years – we want this shelter to grow into a vested beacon of hope for the community."

Sakkie van Zyl shows guests that attended the opening ceremony the inside of Siya Phambili.