Sizakuyenza

Sizakuyenza was established in 2005 in Philippi, Cape Town, at a time when HIV was nearing its peak and was often misunderstood, especially within intimate relationships. This led to more child-headed households and increased violence against women, girls and children, with many women accused of bringing the disease into their homes.  

Families disintegrated and substance abuse became more common. Women, girls and children were the most affected and Sizakuyenza responded to the need for measures to increase their safety. 

This resulted in the creation of three programmes, including the Sizakuyenza safe home, which offers a refuge for those who have experienced abuse. 

The organisation offers the following programmes: 

1. Victimempowerment. The project provides shelter to abused women in Philippi and surrounding areas for a period of three months to help them rebuild their lives and gain independence.  
2. Supporting children and families. Vulnerable families in Philippi and its surrounding areas are supported in adjusting to bereavement and loss, avoiding negative peer pressure to become involved in crime and fall prey to GBV, and coping with HIV. 
3.  Community outreach and community mobilisation. The programme aims to ensure that members of the Philippi community are aware of the risks associated with gender-based violence, know what services are available and participate in community action to uphold women’s rights. 

Our mission is to create a supportive community where abused women and vulnerable families in Philippi and surrounding areas can find safety, healing, independence and empowerment, and rebuild their lives with dignity and confidence through our psychosocial support services and sheltering programmes.