Dis-Chem has teamed up with the Kolisi Foundation to fight gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. They are committing R3 million to support three important projects aimed at helping survivors and raising awareness about GBV.
A Part of the #BetterTomorrowStartsHere Project
This partnership is part of the #BetterTomorrowStartsHere project, which Dis-Chem CEO Rui Morais started after the Springbok Rugby World Cup victory last year(2023). The project aims to address South Africa’s biggest challenges through 12 sustainable projects. So far, this partnership is the third initiative of the project.
Addressing South Africa’s High GBV Rates
South Africa has one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls in the world. According to recent crime statistics from 2023, there were over 10,000 rapes, 1,514 cases of attempted murder, and 14,401 assaults against women reported in just three months.
Morais, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, “We recognize the deep scars that gender-based violence has left on our society, and we believe that GBV is a priority that needs urgent support and 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 supporting survivors, empowering individuals, and communities to break the cycle of violence and create a safer, more equitable future.”
“Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, expressed her gratitude for the collaboration, we are so grateful to Dis-Chem, for partnering with us on the Better Tomorrow Initiative. 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.’
Focus Areas of the R3 Million Fund
To tackle this issue, the R3 million from Dis-Chem will be used for three key projects:
- Groote Schuur Hospital Trust (GSHT) and MOSAIC: This project will help survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) at Groote Schuur Hospital and other district hospitals in Cape Town. It will focus on encouraging survivors to seek help, improving screening, and strengthening referral services. By training healthcare workers and using MOSAIC’s SAFE Platforms, the project aims to offer better support for women in need.
- Community Intervention Center (CIC): The CIC will provide a 24/7 helpline for those facing violence. This helpline will offer immediate support and trauma care to victims of GBV and other violent crimes, helping them recover with guidance from qualified counselors.
- Grocery Support for GBV Survivors: In partnership with GBV organizations, the Kolisi Foundation will deliver monthly grocery hampers to 120 women survivors. This will also support about 600 family members. By addressing food insecurity, this initiative will help survivors stay safe and avoid returning to abusive situations.
Phases of the Partnership
The partnership will happen in three phases. First, the three projects will receive immediate funding. Next, Dis-Chem will spread awareness by featuring GBV-related information in its stores across the country. Lastly, an advisory group of GBV organizations will be formed to guide Dis-Chem in improving GBV prevention practices in its clinics, focusing on training and screening for domestic violence.
A Commitment to a Safer Future
This partnership shows a strong commitment to making South Africa a safer place for women and girls.
Read more: Pat on Brands I News
