Inside Stellenbosch’s Fight Against GBV
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In this powerful episode, hosts Lesedi Mnisi and Jacolette Kloppers are joined by Carol van Zyl, Director of the Stellenbosch GBV Hub, and Dr Nontobeko Dyakopu, Lead Doctor at the Thuthuzela Care Centre in Ida’s Valley, Stellenbosch.
Carol and Dr Nontobeko take listeners inside the Stellenbosch GBV Centre – a 24/7 centre offering emergency medical care, trauma counselling, training, awareness programs, legal support, and safe accommodation for victims of gender-based violence. Since opening in February 2024, the centre has already supported over 500 victims from more than 30 residential areas – many of whom would not have had access to such services elsewhere.
The facility in Botmashoogte, Ida’s Valley consists of two double-story buildings that house:
· The Stellenbosch Thuthuzela Care Centre;
· Ring for Peace Cape Trust clinical services, providing access to emergency care and temporary accommodation;
· The Ring for Peace Cape Trust Operational Hub, responsible for collaboration among all the stakeholders; and
· INSPIRE (Initiative for Non-violence, Support, Prevention, Intervention), a GBV training facility managed by Stellenbosch University.
The conversation explores what GBV looks like in Stellenbosch and the surrounding areas, why many survivors still fear reporting, and what steps are being taken to reduce secondary trauma through a more humane, victim-centred approach. Dr Nontobeko also shares her team’s day-to-day experiences on the clinical frontline – how they cope with the emotional impact of their work, and why solidarity and teamwork are essential.
The guests also explain how students and community members can reach out to the Stellenbosch GBV Centre, all the contact details and available services, and how to invite the GBV Centre for outreach and education sessions.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Stellenbosch GBV Centre is open and ready to support you. Confidentiality is always respected.
Carol and Dr Nontobeko take listeners inside the Stellenbosch GBV Centre – a 24/7 centre offering emergency medical care, trauma counselling, training, awareness programs, legal support, and safe accommodation for victims of gender-based violence. Since opening in February 2024, the centre has already supported over 500 victims from more than 30 residential areas – many of whom would not have had access to such services elsewhere.
The facility in Botmashoogte, Ida’s Valley consists of two double-story buildings that house:
· The Stellenbosch Thuthuzela Care Centre;
· Ring for Peace Cape Trust clinical services, providing access to emergency care and temporary accommodation;
· The Ring for Peace Cape Trust Operational Hub, responsible for collaboration among all the stakeholders; and
· INSPIRE (Initiative for Non-violence, Support, Prevention, Intervention), a GBV training facility managed by Stellenbosch University.
The conversation explores what GBV looks like in Stellenbosch and the surrounding areas, why many survivors still fear reporting, and what steps are being taken to reduce secondary trauma through a more humane, victim-centred approach. Dr Nontobeko also shares her team’s day-to-day experiences on the clinical frontline – how they cope with the emotional impact of their work, and why solidarity and teamwork are essential.
The guests also explain how students and community members can reach out to the Stellenbosch GBV Centre, all the contact details and available services, and how to invite the GBV Centre for outreach and education sessions.
If you or someone you know needs help, the Stellenbosch GBV Centre is open and ready to support you. Confidentiality is always respected.