Famsa (Potchefstroom)

FAMSA (Families South Africa) is one of South Africa's longest-standing family support organisations, founded nationally in 1954 in Johannesburg and now operating 30 offices countrywide. The Potchefstroom office has served its community since 1986 — and uniquely for a FAMSA branch, operates two offices: the main Potchefstroom office at 3 Singer Street in town, and a second office in Ikageng township at 6481 Lekhele Street — ensuring that services reach both the town and township populations of the greater Potchefstroom area.

FAMSA Potchefstroom's team of qualified, professional staff recognises that family breakdown — driven by violence, poverty, substance abuse, unemployment, and historical trauma — is at the root of much of the GBV that tears communities apart. Their programmes address the full spectrum of family life, from preparation for marriage to the aftermath of domestic violence, with a specific emphasis on empowering both women and men.

What They Offer Survivors and Families

Professional Counselling — Trauma, Domestic Violence, and GBV Qualified counsellors provide professional therapeutic services including trauma containment and domestic violence counselling — supporting survivors of abuse in processing their experiences and planning safe futures. Individual, couple, and family sessions are available.

Marriage and Relationship Counselling Marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, and marriage counselling help couples build stronger, safer relationships — preventing the escalation that leads to violence.

Divorce Counselling and Divorce Recovery Dedicated divorce counselling and recovery programmes support individuals through the legal, emotional, and practical challenges of relationship dissolution — including specifically for survivors of abusive marriages.

Play Therapy for Children Qualified play therapy for children from affected families uses creative, non-verbal approaches to help children process difficult experiences — particularly valuable for children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence or abuse.

School Learner Enrichment Groups Group-based programmes in local schools support children's social and emotional development — building the resilience and protective factors that reduce vulnerability.

Mediation and Parenting Plans Where parents are separating or divorcing, FAMSA Potchefstroom offers structured mediation to help parties reach co-operative parenting agreements — reducing conflict and protecting children from the consequences of acrimonious legal battles. Parenting plans are formalised in writing following mediation.

Families Against Violence Programme A dedicated programme addressing domestic violence within the family context — building awareness, safety planning, and pathways to freedom from violence.

Fatherhood Programme A group-based programme for fathers exploring healthy masculinity, responsible fatherhood, and the role of men in creating safe family environments. Graduates of the programme become peer facilitators — passing the learning on to other groups of fathers.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Services FAMSA Potchefstroom provides EAP services to corporate and government clients — enabling workplaces to support employees experiencing domestic violence, family breakdown, or mental health challenges.

Capacity Building Training Training courses for NGOs, government departments, corporates, and individuals include marriage counselling, marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, basic counselling, parenting skills, life skills, and other interpersonal skills — building the capacity of the broader sector.

FAMSA Potchefstroom: 3 Singer Street, Potchefstroom. Tel: 018 293 2272/3. Ikageng: 6481 Lekhele Street. Tel: 018 295 4833. Email: potch@famsa.org.za. Facebook: FAMSAPotch.