In the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), Dis-Chem has partnered with the Kolisi Foundation, committing R3 million in the support of survivors and raising awareness.
The collaboration will see the entities focusing on three projects towards a decline in GBV cases.
With women and children vulnerable to most GBV cases, this partnership marked the third initiative of the #BetterTomorrowStartsHere project by Dis-Chem CEO, Rui Morais, who pledged R12m shortly after the Springboks won the Rugby World Cup last year.
The initiative aims to tackle some of South Africa’s most pressing challenges through 12 sustainable and measurable projects.
The R3m will be allocated to three community projects that are tackling GBV and femicide cases.
The Groote Schuur Hospital Trust and Mosaic are to receive R1.3m, aimed at improving screening and support services rendered to survivors of domestic violence, including training healthcare workers to treat GBV patients.
As most, GBV survivors are financially dependent on their intimate partners, many stay in abusive relationships. Thus, another R1.3m is to sponsor 120 women survivors with monthly groceries, feeding close to 600 family members by the Kolisi Foundation. Through this course, it challenges food insecurity, where women will not find themselves enduring abusive relationships.
For the immediate assistance in cases of GBV emergencies, or seeking counselling services from professionals, R400 000 will go towards community intervention centre (CIC) 24 hours helpline.
Emphasising abuse and murder against women and children, Morais said this called for a national crisis. Hence, corporations such as Dis-Chem partnered with civic organisations to play their part against the pandemic.
He further indicated the fight against GBV should be treated as a priority, as it needs urgent support and swift action.
“Our partnership with the Kolisi Foundation reflects Dis-Chem’s commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by violence. By funding these three critical projects, we are playing a direct role in supporting survivors, empowering individuals, and communities to break the cycle of violence and create a safer, more equitable future,” said Morais.
Co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, Rachel Kolisi, concurred with Morais, noting that their partnership is committed to protect the vulnerable.
“At the Kolisi Foundation, we are always deeply grateful for the support of the corporate sector. We know that changing the stories of inequality is not something an NGO can achieve alone, but through strong partnerships with companies like Dis-Chem,” said Kolisi.
The project is expected to roll out in three phases, where immediate funding of the three projects will take place in the first phase.
Furthermore, Dis-chem will amplify awareness by disseminating GBV-related information and resources in its stores nationwide in phase two.
For the final phase, a GBV advisory board will be formed. The board is expected to guide Dis-Chem in improving GBV prevention practices in its clinics, particularly focusing on training and screening protocols for nursing staff regarding domestic violence.
The Star