Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will hand over Breaking New Ground (BNG) houses to vulnerable groups as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, taking place from November 25 to December 10, 2024.

Minister Kubayi has pledged to hand over 16 houses throughout the 16-day period, demonstrating the department's commitment to supporting victims and survivors of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

The house handovers mark a significant initiative to support the campaign.

The first set of houses will be handed over in Ekurhuleni on Monday, 25 November 2024, at the Helderwyk Housing project, where Minister Kubayi will be joined by Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Tasneem Motara and Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza.

By providing safe housing, the goal is to reduce survivors' reliance on their abusive partners, promoting independence and dignity. It also aims to accelerate collective action and whole-of-society accountability to end violence against women and children.

Empowering women economically is also crucial in the fight against GBVF and a safe and secure home, serves as a foundation for individuals to build their lives and become productive members of society.

Minister Kubayi believes that when women are economically resilient, they gain the freedom to leave harmful situations, take control of their lives, and create a better future for themselves and their children.

This year's Campaign, themed: "30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children", builds upon previous efforts to tackle the root causes of GBVF, fostering a culture of positive masculinity, gender equity, and economic empowerment for women and children.

During the Campaign, the Department aims to raise awareness and highlight practical efforts to reduce the vulnerability of women affected by GBVF by providing safe shelter.

Accordingly, the Department has developed the Special Housing Needs Policy to assist victims of GBVF.

To further demonstrate the commitment to supporting vulnerable groups, the Department has produced an awareness advertisement highlighting interventions to address GBVF.

This advert will launch on Monday, 25 November 2024, marking the beginning of the Campaign and will be aired on SABC TV platforms, ensuring widespread reach and visibility.

Ekurhuleni hand over Media details are as follows:

Date : Monday, 25 November 2024 Time : 09h00 (Media to arrive at 8h30) Venue : Helderwyk, Housing project, EKurhuleni RSVPs : Tebogo.mosima@dhs.gov.za or 072 171 1021

The Minister will also handover houses as follows:

Gauteng Province Date : Monday, 09 December 2024 Time : 09h00 (Media to arrive at 8h30) Venue : Riverside Social Housing Project, Gauteng Date : Tuesday, 10 December 2024 Time : 09h00 (Media to arrive at 8h30) Venue : Soweto, Gauteng NB : The Minister together with Human Settlements Staff to build a house in Soweto

Eastern Cape Province Date : Thursday, 29 November 2024 Time : 09h00 (media to arrive at 8h30) Venue : Ngcobo, Dr AB Xuma municipality in the Chris Hani District Limpopo province Date : Saturday, 07 December 2024 Time : 09h00 (media to arrive at 8h30) Venue : Matiane Village, Malamulele local municipality, Vhembe District For media Enquiries, contact: Terrence Manase, Spokesperson to the Minister on 082 338 6707 I Terrence.manase@dhs.gov.za or DHS Head of Communications Nozipho Zulu on 078 457 9376 I Nozipho.zulu@dhs.gov.za

Issued by the Ministry of Human Settlements, Govan Mbeki House 240, Justice Mahomed Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria