MINISTER DEAN MACPHERSON HANDS OVER PROPERTIES FOR GBV IN MPUMALANGA

Article by Andile Xulu and Pictures by Khanyisa Moagi, Roslyn Mahlaole and Lunga Mahlangu

19 May 2025

On 19 May 2025, Minister Dean Macpherson officially handed over 10 properties in Mpumalanga belonging to the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), to the Mpumalanga Department of Social Development to be repurposed as shelters for Gender based-violence (GBV), in Mbombela.

This handover of properties, to be used as shelters, aligns with the Minister’s commitment to ensure that state-owned properties are utilised for the public good, particularly by providing shelter to the most vulnerable members of society. This initiative is part of the broader Emergency Response Action Plan on GBVF, first launched by President Cyril Ramaphosa in 2019, and aligns with national priorities to create safer communities for all.

Also present at the event were the Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development , Brenda Moeketsi, Acting Executive Mayor of Ehlanzeni District Municipality, Tiny Ester Mabuza, and MMC City Planning for City of Mbombela Municipality, Morris Mazibane.

“Handing over these properties is about affording people an opportunity to heal, it’s about hope and restoring dignity” said Minister Macpherson during the handover ceremony.

The shelters will meet basic needs of victims, such as protection, food, accommodation, and clothing, as well as offer comprehensive support including counselling, skills development, and various therapeutic interventions. Other services to be provided in these shelters, will include life skills training, psychosocial support, play therapy, healing, and restoration programmes.