Budget cuts threaten home for abused women

A Kenilworth shelter for abused women and children faces an uncertain future because of state budget cuts and a drop in donor funding.

Sisters Incorporated was founded in 1959 by Lyn Veldhuizen and Sue Henderson for single, pregnant white women at a time when there was a big stigma attached to being unmarried and pregnant, but it later changed its constitution to accommodate abused women and their children regardless of race or religion.

The home has bed space for 28 with occupants staying about three months while a social worker helps them get their lives back on track. Unemployed women learn skills to help them earn an income, and there is a crèche for the children.

According to the home’s manager, Delene Roberts, their monthly running costs of about R295 000 include the salaries of 13 staff, a grocery bill of R24 000 to R30 000, municipal accounts of R30 000 as well as additional expenses for emergency medical care, transport, security and supplies such as detergents and nappies.

The Department of Social Development funds 37% of the home’s budget with a subsidy of approximately R300 000 each quarter, but the department has now told the home that it plans to cut funding to non-profit organisations for the 2024/2025 financial year.

The loss of the department’s subsidy would have a “drastic impact” on the home as it was “already in a crisis” for the last two months of the current financial year, said Ms Roberts.

“We have submitted many proposals in the past year with minimal response or none at all, and it really depends on the donors' resources, as well as their priorities for the year.”

She added: “The impact of the cost of living has had drastic effects on our day-to-day services such as food, water, electricity, security, and maintenance. We strive to keep high standards, which are conducive to the well-being and safety of our clients. We are consistently at our limit of 28 residents.”

Social Development MEC Sharna Fernandez’s spokesperson, Monique Mortlock-Malgas, said the department had notified NPOs in December last year that funding was not guaranteed from April.

“The provincial budget shortfall for the Western Cape government is R1.1 billion as a result of reduced national budget allocations to provinces and a nationally-determined wage agreement, which provinces are compelled to cover. This will impact the transfer allocations and the number of NPOs the department is able to fund,” she said.

Malissa Faro said she had arrived at Sisters Incorporated with her 3-year-old daughter afraid and unsure whether she had made the right decision but unable to endure further abuse.

The home had given her and her daughter sanctuary with clothing, toiletries and three meals a day. When her daughter had caught measles, they had moved to a separate room to isolate, but it had been then, Ms Faro said, that she had truly felt the love and care from both the staff and the other residents.

“I started loving myself again, and I began to see how beautiful I am. I started dressing up, which made me feel so good. Not even realising that I was getting my confidence back. My self-esteem was now boosted, and I felt worthy.

“I am living proof of a broken woman who was made whole again… little by little my puzzle is starting to take shape.”

Sisters Incorporated sells second-hand clothing at the home once a month to raise funds. To donate, volunteer or for more information, contact Ms Roberts at 021 797 4191 or manager@sisters.org.za