Support victims of gender-based violence

If we take nothing else away from 2019, we should at least remember the horrific impact gender-based violence (GBV) has on our society.

All South Africans can and must fight against gender-based violence wherever they can, so why not start now with an organisation in the nearest informal settlement?

The Green Door Women’s Shelter is located in Diepsloot west and is run single-handedly by Brown Lekekela, who opened it during the 16 Days of Activism campaign back in 2013. Based on Lekekela’s own property, the organisation provides a safe space for women and children who have been victims of domestic or sexual violence to seek shelter and assistance. “Enough is enough [when it comes to gender-based violence],” he said.

“We can’t only talk about GBV when it’s in the news, we need to fight it all the time. End of year is a busy time for us and we need any donations we can do.”

The work Lekekela does is only possible if members of the public keep supporting him.

Here are some of the things the Green Door shelter needs:

• Green Door expansion:

The shelter is currently only able to house one or two victims at a time due to its size. While two brick rooms have been built next to the Wendy house, they are unable to house victims. These rooms still require beds, bedding, mattresses, paint on the walls, curtains, carpets and other essentials.

• Vegetable garden:

Victims need a nourishing meal during their stay and a solution is to plant a vegetable garden but Diepsloot’s rat infestation ruins these efforts. The shelter is hoping for help to build a structure that will keep the rats from entering the garden so food can grow undisturbed. Any donations of materials or equipment are welcome.

• Comfort packs:

Comfort packs can be made up by the public and donated to the shelter. It will then be given to those seeking shelter at Green Door and provide them with dignity after they have had to endure unimaginable trauma. The packs can contain, but are not limited to, toothbrush and toothpaste, a facecloth, soap, a snack or refreshment, sanitary pads, body lotion etc.

• Non-perishable food items:

These items are critical. Victims cannot heal or process their trauma if they are without basic needs like something to eat. The shelter uses these items when victims stay overnight at the shelter or for an extended period of time and donations of mealie meal, rice, soup, tinned foods (such as beans, sardines, bully beef etc), juice, cereal, porridge, noodles, long-life milk, tea, coffee and other foods are welcome.

• Clothing:

“We are happy to take your old clothing for distribution within the community. Due to the nature of our work, we are always aware of a family, child or individual in need. With clothing donations, we are also able to provide victims with clean items to wear when they arrive at the shelter.”

• Vehicle:

Green Door is currently operating without a working vehicle. The shelter has a car but it is not in working condition and needs a service. If victims need to get to the police station or hospital, Lekekela is unable to get them there. Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

• Financial assistance:

The shelter lacks consistent financial support.Contact Lekekela for banking details, or else donate on the Back-a-Buddy website (www.backabuddy.co.za/green-door).

Details: Brown Lekekela brownlekekela@gmail.com; 065 247 3643.