The Social Development Ministry has launched a centre for abused women in Mpumalanga. It will provide basic needs and support for victims.
An area plagued by social ills, drugs and alcohol abuse is widespread in the region. On route to the Kruger National Park, prostitution is a way of escaping poverty.
“This area has a high prevalence of rape of young girls and I can say that because I have had a dialogue with the young girls myself – who have children from rape from the ages of 12,13 to 14,” says Social Development Deputy Minister Hendrietta Bogopane.
The Hlayisani White Door Centre of Hope is a lifeline for many in the area. A local chief donated the land, the centre will also be used to skill locals and it will operate in tandem with the Community Nutrition Development Centre.
Destitute families will be provided with meals when it opens in September. Social workers will manage the centre which will be open 24 hours a day.
