28/08/2026
My District Today: Standing With Women, Strengthening Families and Building Safer Communities
CAPE TOWN | LANSDOWNE — Knowledge is power, and when communities are equipped with the right information and support, families become stronger and safer.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DoJ&CD) Men’s Forum, in collaboration with the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS), is bringing this message to the heart of the community through a powerful dialogue at the Lansdowne Civic Centre.
Held under the thought-provoking theme, “The Shadow/Protection of Women (Wamakhosikazi): Standing with Mother-Led Households in Crises,” the dialogue is creating a safe and informative space for women from Lansdowne, Athlone, Hanoverpark, Heideveld, Delft, Phillipi and Khayelitsha to access practical information, support services and resources that can make a meaningful difference in their daily lives.
From protecting women and children to accessing government services, participants are receiving critical information on foster parenting skills, the Domestic Violence Act, 1998 (Act No. 116 of 1998), reporting Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and available support for survivors of GBV.
The dialogue is also helping women navigate essential social protection services, including SASSA grant applications and important information about the transition from the old gold Postbank cards to the new black Postbank cards. Beneficiaries are being reminded of the 31 August 2026 deadline and the importance of swapping their cards before the deadline to avoid disruptions.
But the conversation goes beyond information sharing.
With substance abuse programmes, performing arts and community-based support initiatives also highlighted, the dialogue demonstrates that empowering women requires a holistic approach—one that addresses safety, economic and social challenges while creating opportunities for healing, resilience and growth.
A powerful network of stakeholders is contributing to this community effort, including the South African Police Service (SAPS) GBV Desk, Department of Social Development, Yabonga, Siyakuyenza, Beautiful Gate, Sisters Inc, LifeLine Western Cape, First Community Resource Centre, Ilitha Labantu, Athlone Community Police Forum, City of Cape Town, DoJ&CD and GCIS, among others.
The message is clear: women should never have to face crises alone.
Through partnerships, access to information and community support, government and civil society are working together to ensure that women-led households are connected to the services, protection and opportunities they need to navigate difficult circumstances.
When we stand with women, we stand with families. When we strengthen families, we strengthen communities.
