The Eastern Cape Department of Health has pledged to report back to Parliament in two weeks' time with comprehensive feedback on the progress made to fully equip and staff Thuthuzela Care Centres. This follows the Commission for Gender Equality's (CGE) highlighting of systemic failures in the functioning of centres meant to assist victims of gender-based violence (GBV). The CGE's oversight revealed many shortcomings, including a lack of medical officials and inadequate security.
The CGE's 2024 inspection of eleven of the province's twelve Thuthuzela Care Centres revealed that many centres close at 4 pm and victims are referred to hospital casualty areas instead of receiving assistance. Members of Parliament (MPs) expressed concern over the findings, stating that while some centres in other parts of the country are working well, the Eastern Cape's centres are not meeting the required standards.
Health Committee chairperson Faith Muthambi stated that the committee must get to the root of the problems, as the centres are supposed to be safe havens for GBV victims. The committee will investigate the matter further, given the nationwide outcry over the government's failure to address GBV adequately.
A collaboration between the Department of Health and the National Prosecuting Authority has led to some improvements, according to the Eastern Cape's chief director of hospitals, Kidwell Matshotyana. Some centres, like the one in Mdantsane, operate 24 hours a day due to the volume of cases.
Matshotyana pointed out that the department has reinforced the need for medical doctors in the centres and professional nurses are on site, forensically trained in the facilities. However, he could not respond to MPs' questions about the cost of running an effective care centre, pledging to return to Parliament with the figures in a fortnight.
The Eastern Cape Department of Health has made improvements in response to the CGE's recommendations, but the department still needs to address the systemic failures highlighted by the commission. The department's pledge to report back to Parliament will provide an update on the progress made to improve the Thuthuzela Care Centres.
The Thuthuzela Care Centres play a crucial role in providing assistance to GBV victims, and it is essential that they are fully equipped and staffed to provide the necessary support. The Eastern Cape Department of Health's commitment to improving the centres is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to address the GBV crisis in the province.
Key points
- Eastern Cape Health Department to report back to Parliament on progress made to improve Thuthuzela Care Centres
- CGE's oversight reveals systemic failures in Thuthuzela Care Centres, including lack of medical officials and inadequate security
- Department of Health pledges to address systemic failures and improve Thuthuzela Care Centres
