More than a moment of mourning: Where women can find support

At Time Out South Africa, we make it our mission to help you find the best of your city – but this week it's hitting a bit differently.

Right now, we can't do that without acknowledging that our country is living through a femicide crisis. Pretending it's not happening would be a failure of the job we've set ourselves, as local experts, to cover our cities in a real and trusted way.

For many women, moving through their own city comes with a fear that should never have become normal. That fear has been brought sharply into focus in Ekurhuleni, where police are investigating the deaths of eight women whose bodies have been found over the past two months. Police are still working to establish whether the cases are connected.

Elizabeth “Tsontso” Moselakgomo, 38, is among the women being remembered, with her death particularly resonating with the running community. Moselakgomo disappeared after leaving her Kempton Park home for an afternoon run, and her body was later found in Rhodesfield. Her family positively identified her body on Monday 14 September.

Since news of her death emerged, runners and communities across Gauteng have come together in her memory, holding tribute runs and walks in Kempton Park, Houghton, Sunninghill and Alexandra this week. 

In cities across South Africa, communities are finding ways to show their support and solidarity. This week, we're highlighting some of the gatherings bringing people together, as well as organisations and shelters continuing to support women experiencing violence, with Friday, 18 September, being marked as a day of mourning across the country for the current situation and a call to wear black in memory of the women who have lost their lives and to stand in solidarity with all women.

Our usual Out & About guides continue, but there's also room to acknowledge what's happening around us, as our communities rallied to make their voices heard. Here's how you can show your support or get help if you need it.

JOHANNESBURG 

Support for women experiencing GBV in Cape Town

POWA

For women experiencing violence, People Opposing Women Abuse (POWA) offers free counselling, legal support, referrals and shelter. POWA operates two shelters on Johannesburg’s East and West Rand, offering safe accommodation for survivors and their children.

Stays range from one month to a year, depending on individual circumstances. Legal support is also available, including assistance with protection orders, court preparation, and navigation of the justice system

• Location: 64 Mitchell Street, Berea, Johannesburg Inner City. 
• POWA counselling: 011 642 4345/6

The National Shelter Indaba

The sixth National Shelter Indaba – under the theme Social Integration of GBVF Interventions – is taking place in Benoni until Thursday, 17 September, bringing together the shelter sector, government and other stakeholders to discuss prevention, risk reduction and coordinated support for people affected by GBV and femicide.

It is not a public memorial or demonstration, but the Indaba brings attention to the work happening behind the scenes to support survivors and provide safe spaces when they need them.

• Dates: 15 to 17 September 2026
• Location: Benoni, Gauteng
• Contact: 0800 001 005

Sisters of Light

Sisters of Light, based in Benoni, provides residential care and professional support for women who have survived GBV and their children under five. The organisation provides a safe haven for women and children who have experienced physical, emotional, sexual or psychological abuse.

• Sisters of Light: 084 557 7786
• Location: Unit 2C, 73 Liverpool Rd, Benoni.

CAPE TOWN

Melody for Change in Cape Town

Melody for Change will see a memorial of Heritage and Hope through music and cultural performances while also raising support for a GBV safe house for survivors. 

• Date: Saturday, 19 September
• Location: CTICC Auditorium, Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street. 

Support for women experiencing GBV in Cape Town

Saartjie Baartman Centre

In Manenberg, the Saartjie Baartman Centre for Women and Children provides a 24-hour emergency shelter for women and children who have experienced abuse, crime or violence. Beyond a safe place to stay, its residential programme offers crisis intervention and longer-term support to help survivors begin rebuilding their lives.

• Saartjie Baartman Centre: 021 633 1253
• 24-hour call or WhatsApp: 076 470 9314

Sisters Incorporated

Sisters Incorporated has supported women and children in Cape Town for more than 60 years, offering safe accommodation, counselling and skills training to those affected by domestic violence and abuse.

• Sisters Incorporated: 021 797 4191
• WhatsApp: 062 532 4427

Huis Jabes

Huis Jabes, based in Cape Town’s northern suburbs, offers a safe temporary home for abused women and children. The organisation provides a range of support, including counselling, trauma-informed care, meals, medical assistance and career guidance.

DURBAN

Beloved Long Run in Tsontso's memory

If you’re in Durban, you can join Beloved Long Runs for two early-morning runs in Tsontso’s memory, meeting at Lineage Coffee at 4.45am on Thursday, 17 September, and Shot Bru at 4.45am on Friday, 18 September. The group is asking runners to come dressed in black.

Support for women experiencing GBV in Durban

Kerr House

For women affected by abuse, Kerr House, the Durban Hospice for Women, provides a safe place to stay alongside support and care. The shelter operates around the clock, providing accommodation as well as counselling, relief and rehabilitation services, with other professional organisations involved in the care and support offered.

• Kerr House: 031 303 2912

Sahara Shelter

For women and children affected by abuse, Sahara Shelter for Abused Women and Children offers 24-hour short-term accommodation, with the shelter run by Phoenix Child and Family Welfare. Alongside accommodation, residents can access social-work support and guidance on their rights and protection orders. Admissions are handled through SAPS or local Child Welfare offices.

• Sahara Shelter: 031 500 3671
• National 24-hour crisis line: 0861 322 322 

Beyond remembering 

The runs, marches and gatherings taking place this week give people a way to grieve, remember and stand together. But the response goes beyond what we can see on the streets. For women experiencing violence, support can mean somewhere safe to stay, access to counselling, help with a protection order, or someone to guide them through what comes next.

Across Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town, organisations are doing that work every day. For anyone experiencing violence, knowing where to find shelter, counselling and practical support can be an important first step.

The Gender-Based Violence Command Centre offers 24-hour support on 0800 428 428. You can also dial 1207867# from a cellphone to request a social worker.

The National Shelter Movement of South Africa can help survivors find shelters and support services across the country. Its 24-hour helpline is 0800 001 005. If you are in immediate danger, call SAPS on 10111.

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