MACPHERSON RENEWS USE OF SIX DPWI PROPERTIES TO SUPPORT GBVF SHELTER SERVICES IN THE WESTERN CAPE

Article and Picture Caroline Mokotedi

08 July 2026

The Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure, Dean Macpherson, formalised the renewal of the use of six Department of Public Works and Infrastructure properties to the Western Cape Department of Social Development, during an official signing ceremony held in Cape Town. The renewal will ensure the continued provision of shelter and support services for victims and survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

In attendance at the ceremony was the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, and the Western Cape Provincial Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers. The Acting Regional Manager of the DPWI Cape Town Regional office, Dumisani Gqibela, as well as Chief Director: Gender, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Dr Mveleli Gqwede, attended and showed their support to this event.

The six state-owned properties, situated in Aurora, Albertinia, Heidelberg, Laingsburg and Moorreesburg, have been providing safe accommodation and essential support services to vulnerable women, children and survivors of GBVF. By renewing the agreement, the Department reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that public assets continue to serve the public good by supporting frontline social services and vulnerable communities.

Minister Macpherson said the renewal gives practical effect to the Department's commitment to ensuring that public assets are actively used to improve the lives of South Africans. "When I took office, I made it clear that public assets must be used for the public good. This renewal gives practical meaning to that commitment by ensuring that these state-owned properties continue serving as safe spaces for some of the most vulnerable people in our society."

He added that the initiative forms part of the Department's broader efforts to ensure state-owned properties no longer stand idle but are instead repurposed to strengthen service delivery and restore dignity to communities.

The Western Cape Provincial Minister for Social Development, Jaco Londt, welcomed the continued partnership between the two departments, saying it would strengthen support for survivors across the province. “This renewal reflects our shared commitment to putting the needs of our citizens first. By continuing this partnership, we are ensuring that these properties remain safe havens for women, children and vulnerable people fleeing gender-based violence and other crises."

Western Cape Provincial Minister Tertuis Simmers said “We view infrastructure as a catalyst for dignity and spatial transformation, and there is no greater dignity we can provide than a safe haven for vulnerable members of our communities."