​This week, 25-26 March 2025, the Gauteng Department of Social Development hosted the Parliament Portfolio Committee on Social Development for a three-day oversight visit to assess progress on Non-Profit Organization (NPO) funding and the province's efforts in addressing Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
Evaluating NPO Funding and Sector Support Delivering the opening remarks on the second day, Committee Chairperson Hon. Bridget Masango emphasized the need to track developments since the committee's last briefing in November. The oversight visit aimed to review the impact of funding decisions made by the 6th       Administration, particularly regarding support for the NPO sector.
Visiting the National GBV Command Centre
The committee's first stop was the National Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Command Centre in Pretoria, a key facility under the Victim Empowerment and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence program within the National Department of Social Development.
 Established in response to then Minister of Social Development Bathabile Dlamini's call for a national call centre to combat GBV, the Command Centre provides crisis intervention and counselling services to victims. It also assists with adoption cases, anger management, behavioural issues, and substance abuse.
Explaining the province's approach to handling GBV cases, Pearl Moabelo, Provincial Director for Social Crime and Victim Empowerment Programs, stated: "In addition to cases referred from the Command Centre, we allocate cases within 24 hours to the relevant regional corridors. Social Workers engage with victims within seven days to assess their needs and develop intervention plans."
She further highlighted that Victim-Friendly Rooms (VFRs) and Gender Desks have been established within police stations to provide immediate support and referrals for GBV survivors.
Final Stop: National Development Agency Projects As part of their visit, the committee will conclude its oversight tour with an assessment of National Development Agency (NDA) projects, which plays a vital role in supporting community-based initiatives and empowering vulnerable groups.
This oversight visit highlighted the government's commitment to ensuring NPO sustainability, improving victim support services, and strengthening interventions against social crime and Gender-Based Violence in Gauteng.