Glencore Ferroalloys has invested R5,5 million as part of its efforts to deal with the growing scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) in South African communities.
The company joined forces with the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) in the construction of the very first Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) built with brick and mortar in Limpopo and will offer victims of abuse all the required services and assistance they need in one fully fledged facility.
Thuthuzela Care Centres are facilities that have been introduced as a critical part of the country’s anti-rape strategy with the aim to reduce secondary victimisation and to build a case file ready for successful prosecution.
Whereas in the past, victims had to visit several other facilities to access additional support such as opening a case, or getting access to trained health care professionals, the new Dilokong Thuthuzela Care Centre is set to be the blueprint for future Thuthuzela Care centres as it will cater to a victim’s every need, in one place.
“The resilience and unrelenting efforts of the NPA in the fight against GBV inspired us to partner with them because this is something that is very important to us as an organisation as well. It is indeed an honour to be here today to officially hand over the fully equipped Dilokong Thuthuzela Care and it is our desire for it to become a beacon of hope, care, comfort, safety and security for victims of GBV,” said Japie Fullard, Glencore Ferroalloys chief executive officer.
The Premier of Limpopo Chupu Mathabatha, Limpopo MEC of Health Dr Phophi Ramathuba, former MEC of Social Development Dickson Masemola, NPA officials Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Rodney de Kock, Special Director of Public Prosecutions Sexual Offenses and Community Affairs Advocate Bonnie Currie-Gamwo, Director for Public Prosecutions Limpopo Division Advocate Ivy Thenga, South African Police Services led by Provincial Commissioner Major General Manala, Limpopo Department of Health, the Mayor of Sekhukhune District Municipality, Mathebe, the Mayor of Tubatse Fetakgomo Local Municipality Maila, Kgoshi Maroga, Kgoshigadi Riba and Kgoshigadi Phasha, joined Glencore Ferroalloys executives to celebrate the momentous handover occasion of the new Dilokong TCC from Glencore Ferroalloys to the Acting National Director of Public Prosecutions Advocate Rodney de Kock.
To ensure that the centre meets all the required standards to effectively support victims of abuse in need of help, Glencore partnered with the Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit of the NPA, the Department of Health, the Department of Social Development, and the South African Police Services. This forms part of the mining giant’s resolve to help government address some of the major socio-economic issues facing the communities around its operations.
Japie Fullard said that apart from the R5,5m investment made in the construction of the Dilokong TCC, Glencore already upgraded other TCCs in the North-West and Mpumalanga. He added that this is to ensure that the TCCs are better equipped to support victims of GBV.
“We will continue to raise awareness on the hyperendemic, since we recognise the plight of victims of GBV within the communities around us. Strategic partnerships between government and the private sector enable fulfilling the objectives outlined in the pillars of the National Strategic Plan on GBV. We call on members of the Ga-Maroga and surrounding communities to make full use of the services available at this first-of-its-kind centre. Together we can and we will continue this fight against GBV,” said Fullard.
The Dilokong Thuthezela Care Centre will offer victims of abuse the following services:
- Caring reception and comfort from a site co-coordinator or nurse.
- An explanation of how the medical examination will be conducted and what clothing might be taken as evidence.
- A consent form to sign that allows the doctor to conduct the medical examination.
- A nurse in the examination room.
- After the medical examination, there are bath or shower facilities for victim use.
- An investigation officer will interview the survivor and take his/her statement.
- A social worker or nurse will offer counselling.
- A nurse arranges for follow-up visits, treatment and medication for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV and AIDS.
- A referral letter or appointment will be made for long-term counselling.
- The victim (survivor) is offered transportation home by an ambulance or the investigating officer.
- Arrangements for the survivor to go to a place of safety, if necessary.
- Consultations with a specialist prosecutor before the case goes to court.
- Court preparation by a victim assistant officer.
- An explanation of the outcome and an update on the trial process by a case manager.
Mathabatha gave the keynote address and thanked Glencore for initiating the strategic partnerships and attending to the needs of the Ga-Maroga community members.
“As government, we appreciate the support and partnership with Glencore in the fight against GBV, for there is no doubt that violence against women and children remains a pandemic of unequal proportions in our society. For as long as we still have GBV, we are not free as a country because it impacts all of us. It is our task as individuals to become activists and fight this war together. Through this partnership, Glencore has shown responsible corporate social investment, and we believe that together we can achieve much more,” concluded Mathabatha.
The new Dilokong Thuthuzela Care Centre will be opened to service community members from November 22, 2022.
