The FF Plus condemns the fact that Mpumalanga's Department of Social Development (DSD) has for several years been underspending on all four sub-programmes of the restorative services programme for safe havens for women and children.
Violence against women remains a serious problem in Mpumalanga.
Research indicates that violence between people who are in a relationship is the second biggest cause of diseases and injuries in the province. Therefore, it is alarming that there are only fourteen safe houses for women in Mpumalanga, and every single one of them is underfunded.
The Head of the Department, Mr Mxolisi Mahlalela, admitted to the FF Plus that it is a problem that requires urgent attention.
Departmental reports indicate that DSD funding of shelters managed by non-profit organisations has been inadequate, inconsistent and often delayed since 2015. The women in these shelters suffer from serious health issues and need proper legal support.
Most of these women remain economically vulnerable when they leave the shelter.
Funding constraints limit the ability of these safe havens to provide comprehensive services to women and children.
If government really is serious about combating violence against women and children effectively, it must ensure that the safe havens offering such services on its behalf are adequately funded to do so.
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