Dis-Chem has announced a partnership with the Kolisi Foundation, committing R3-million to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa. This collaboration will focus on three key projects aimed at supporting survivors and raising awareness about GBV.
According to Dis-Chem, the partnership marks the third initiative of the #BetterTomorrowStartsHere project, funded by the R12-million pledge made by Dis-Chem CEO Rui Morais following the Springbok Rugby World Cup victory in 2023.
According to the duo, the initiative aims to tackle some of South Africa's most pressing challenges through 12 sustainable and measurable projects.
South Africa has one of the highest rates of violence against women and girls globally. According to the second-quarter crime statistics for 2023 / 2024, former Police Minister Bheki Cele reported the following against female victims in July, August and September 2023:
- 10 516 rapes
- 1 514 cases of attempted murder, and
- 14 401 assaults.
Morais has emphasised the importance of this partnership.
"We recognise the deep scars that gender-based violence has left on our society, and we believe that GBV is a priority that needs urgent support and action," adds Morais.
"Our partnership with the Kolisi Foundation reflects Dis-Chem's commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by violence. By funding these three critical projects, we are playing a direct role in supporting survivors, empowering individuals and communities to break the cycle of violence and create a safer, more equitable future," adds Morais.
Rachel Kolisi, co-founder of the Kolisi Foundation, has expressed her gratitude for the collaboration.
"We are so grateful to Dis-Chem, for partnering with us on the Better Tomorrow Initiative. At the Kolisi Foundation, we are always deeply grateful for the support of the corporate sector. We know that changing the stories of inequality is not something an NGO can achieve alone but through strong partnerships with companies like Dis-Chem," adds Kolisi.
According to the duo, the R3-million contribution from Dis-Chem will be allocated to three projects:
Groote Schuur Hospital Trust (GSHT) and MOSAIC
According to the duo, this initiative will boost screening and support services for intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors at Groote Schuur Hospital and Cape Town district hospitals.
The project aims to encourage help-seeking, improve screening and identification and strengthen referral pathways, addressing gaps that perpetuate silence and sustain IPV.
By training healthcare practitioners and using MOSAIC's SAFE Platforms, the collaboration seeks to expand its impact and provide widespread assistance for women in need, according to the duo.
Community Intervention Center (CIC)
The CIC helpline will offer a 24 / 7 helpline providing essential support and trauma care across South Africa, says the duo.
It delivers immediate assistance for individuals facing violence, including GBV and violent crimes like armed robbery. Those in need of general counselling can receive prompt assistance and guidance from qualified counsellors, contributing to their well-being and recovery.
Grocery support to GBV Survivors
In partnership with GBV organisations, the Kolisi Foundation says that it will distribute monthly grocery hampers to 120 women survivors, supporting approximately 600 family members.
This initiative will address food insecurity, which often forces survivors to return to abusive situations. Through this, survivors can remain safe, with access to food, which is one of the biggest reasons that survivors return to abusive circumstances as the perpetrator often offers financial security, the duo says.
Of the R3-million, R1.3-million will be directed to the Groote Schuur Hospital Trust (GSHT) and MOSAIC, and R400 000 to the Community Intervention Center (CIC) 24-hour helpline. Additionally, R1.3-million was allocated for grocery parcel support to aid GBV survivors.
The partnership will unfold in three phases, according to the duo. The first involves the immediate funding of the three projects. The second phase will see Dis-Chem amplifying awareness by featuring GBV-related information and resources in its stores nationwide.
The final phase will include forming an advisory group of GBV organisations to guide Dis-Chem in improving GBV prevention practices within its clinics, specifically focusing on training and screening protocols for nursing staff regarding domestic violence.
"Dis-Chem's collaboration with the Kolisi Foundation marks a fundamental step in tackling one of South Africa's most urgent issues," says Morais.
"By coming together with a shared purpose and combining our resources, expertise and compassion, we are taking decisive action to protect the vulnerable and transform the narrative around gender-based violence," adds Morais.
"This partnership goes beyond merely responding to a crisis, it is about building a future where equality, safety and dignity are accessible to all South Africans," concludes Morais.
For more information, visit www.kolisifoundation.org. You can also follow the Kolisi Foundation on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on Instagram.
*Image courtesy of Facebook