Azra Hoosen | ah@radioislam.co.za
31 October 2024 | 10:30 CAT
2 min read

The National Shelter Movement of South Africa has raised alarms about a funding crisis that could force some shelters for victims of abuse in KwaZulu-Natal to close.

Nadia Munsamy, the movement’s KZN representative, highlighted that current funding of R70.35 per woman or child has only increased by R11.35 since 2012, failing to keep pace with inflation. Each shelter, which can house up to 35 individuals, relies on these funds for meals, rent, maintenance, and essential services like obtaining identification documents.

“From my communication with KZN Shelters, some say that their social worker post funding was stopped whilst they were interviewing to fill the post, which was not communicated by the Department of Social Development (DSD), and DSD communication is lacking; coordinators are changed regularly due to posts being unfilled. The reporting processes are not communicated causing confusion,” she said.

Munsamy noted that a new payment system has been introduced, which poses significant challenges. It is labour-intensive, and many shelters are not receiving the correct subsidy amounts for their clients. Additionally, securing private funding has become increasingly difficult post-COVID, making it challenging for shelters to stay afloat.

“The Sahara shelter I manage is operating beyond capacity, the capacity was cut this year from 22 to 20. Another KZN shelter stated that chronic underfunding meant that their shelter was unable to provide comprehensive care, leading to staff burnout and delayed payments making it difficult to plan long-term service,” she said.

She also noted that many shelters in Gauteng are experiencing similar issues with late payments, leading to a lack of support that makes it difficult for survivors to cope.

Munsamy asserts that sheltering is absolutely essential. “Abuse victims come to shelters after trying to end their lives, after they are beaten and reduced to nothing. They isolate themselves from families, friends, and society, which means they feel alone and have no hope. Shelters provide a lifeline and a safe space to heal, recover, and be educated on their human rights. These sheltering services offer dignity and hope that there are people out there who can offer support and assist them,” she said.

Munsamy stressed the urgent need for operating shelters, especially given the alarming rates of GBV in South Africa, which President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared a pandemic.

She emphasised that if shelters are lost, the cycle of abuse will persist, leading to increased rates of femicide and exacerbating behavioural problems in children. This creates an ongoing cycle of trauma and violence.

LISTEN to the full interview with Ml Sulaimaan Ravat and Nadia Munsamy, the National Shelter Movement’s KZN representative, here.