According to DStv, each of these NGOs received one week of airtime where they had the opportunity to inform viewers about the work they do. Additionally, each NGO partook in a takeover of the DStv social media channels to further promote their causes. DStv says that it asked the leading women from each of these NGOs what this platform meant to their organisation and how it has helped them.

The Frida Hartley Shelter, which aims to empower women by providing accommodation, psycho-social support, employment, and training, is led by Cheryl Hlabane. Hlabane says that the DStv social media takeover has given them a great platform to not only bring awareness to GBV but the work they do as an organisation.

"We have received such a positive response from people needing our help to organizations and individuals wanting to know how they can make a difference. We will forever be grateful for this platform, and we will continue to use it to truly make a difference in the lives of those that need it the most," she adds.

Rethabile Mosese of Lawyers Against Abuse adds, "There was an increase in the number of individuals contacting our organisation for assistance. We were also contacted by several individuals who wanted to get involved in the work of the organisation, either by volunteering or inquiring whether we had any vacancies available."

Lawyers Against Abuse provides holistic legal and psychosocial support to victims of gender-based violence and aims to facilitate systemic change through strategic engagement with state actors and the communities in which they serve.

The third NGO that took over the DStv platform was Cornerstone Woman. Led by founder Samantha Le Roux, Cornerstone Woman offers women who are victims of abuse the opportunity to make a new start. When asked about her experience with the DStv take over Le Roux said that they would really love to continue working together with all NPO/ NGO’s as a collaborative idea that could be extended far beyond August.

DStv says it wants to highlight the plight of women, and that the handing over of the microphone to the Frida Hartley Shelter, Lawyers Against Abuse and Cornerstone Woman allowed these organisations to talk about issues prevalent in South Africa. "The aim was to educate women experiencing these issues on the safe space these organisations provide," says the team at DStv.

"We may not have the answers, but we have the platform, and we are grateful that we could share it with these inspirational NGOs during August," concludes Ntsika Msuthu, DStv’s PR and social media manager.



For more information, visit www.dstv.co.za. You can also follow DStv on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.