The Ihata Shelter for abused women and children in Heideveld was burgled three times in November.
In the latest incident, the gate motor was stolen as well as one of the security gates. The cost of damage and items stolen totals well between R50 000 and R60 000.
The shelter is 13 years old and accommodates 18 women, 12 children and seven adolescents.
Although the shelter is government funded for the second stage of sheltering, it is not nearly enough to sustain the operation.
“We desperately need sponsors to cover high municipal bills. The shelter is a much-needed service in a high-crime environment,”
The thieves came through the front gate and stole the motor, so, it was not a forced entry.
The shelter offers programmes to uplift, educate and empower the women staying there. It also endeavours to provide a holistic service to correct all of the areas in the lives of its clients.
One of the programmes offered is how to increase household income through self-help projects to alleviate poverty.
With the current awareness campaign of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children in the spotlight, the shelter creates social stability and awareness around issues of GBV and related social ills.
“We advocate for a society whereby women and girl children have equal rights and opportunities for growth and development. While our clients are here, we provide them with space and time to plan their lives forward. We have a youth academy, Academy for Growing Exemplary Members (Agem), that targets youth in neighbouring communities to do good in their communities,” Osman says.
The shelter also improves access to education and psycho-social well-being of marginalised women and youth.
Together with law enforcement agencies Osman and her team try to reduce re-offending and ensure victim rights through the prison and victim empowerment rooms.
“It’s at this hour that the shelter needs and calls upon the community to please be the eyes and ears of emergency and relieve stations such as Ihata to continue serving the community. We welcome any donations in cash or kind toward repair and daily running costs of the facility,” Osman says.
- For details contact Osman on 021 638 5578.
