Shelter movement welcomes appointment of National GBVF Council members

NATIONAL NEWS - The NSMSA has welcomed the appointment of Dr Zubeda Dangor to the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NCGBVF), saying her inclusion represents an important milestone for the shelter sector and civil society representation.

Dr Dangor, a clinical psychologist, GBVF specialist and experienced shelter-sector leader, is one of seven members appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to serve on the statutory body from 1 August to 31 July 2029.

The council was established to provide strategic leadership, oversight and accountability in the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSPGBVF).

Shelter sector gains representation

NSMSA Chairperson Dianne Massawe said the appointment marks a critical moment in South Africa’s efforts to address the ongoing crisis of gender-based violence and femicide.

“As we begin Women’s Month, we welcome the long-awaited activation of the National Council on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” said Massawe.

She said the appointment marks the first time the shelter sector, through the NSMSA, has secured representation within the country’s permanent coordinating structure responsible for overseeing the implementation of the NSPGBVF.

“The establishment of the Council is a significant affirmation that GBVF is not merely a social challenge, but a national crisis requiring sustained, coordinated and decisive action,” Massawe said.

Dr Zubeda Dangor Advocacy Campaign at the Union Building in Pretoria.

Decades of frontline experience

Dr Dangor brings almost three decades of experience in clinical psychology, survivor support, shelter management, advocacy, research, training and policy development.

As co-founder and long-serving Executive Director of the Nisaa Institute for Women's Development and a founding leader of the NSMSA, she has played a key role in strengthening support systems for women and children escaping violence.

Her appointment is expected to ensure that the realities faced by shelters and survivor support organisations are considered at the highest levels of decision-making.

NSMSA board member Joy Lange said the council provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration, accountability and sustained action across government, civil society and communities.

“Our member organisations engage with survivors every day, and we therefore understand both the realities they face and the gaps that continue to exist in protection, support and long-term recovery,” Lange said.

Dr Zubeda Dangor signing of declaration with President Ramaphosa in 2019.

Call for action and resources

The NSMSA said effective action against GBVF requires more than legislation and policies, highlighting the need for sustainable funding, improved coordination and properly resourced frontline services.

The organisation said Dr Dangor’s appointment would help ensure that the operational challenges faced by shelters and community organisations inform national interventions.

NSMSA board member Greer Schoeman said the council must now move quickly into action.

“This work is long overdue, and we look forward to seeing meaningful progress as the council begins addressing the urgent challenges of gender-based violence and femicide in South Africa,” she said.

The organisation also stressed the importance of ensuring that the council receives adequate resources to fulfil its mandate.

Dr Zubedia Dangor at the Presidential Summit in 2022.