Ilitha Labantu

Ilitha Labantu — meaning "the awakening of the people" in isiXhosa — was founded in 1989 in Gugulethu by Mandisa Monakali, herself a survivor of gender-based violence, who recognised that township women experiencing domestic violence, sexual abuse, and political violence had nowhere to turn. At the time, it was the only organisation in the Western Cape addressing these issues specifically in township communities. Today, Ilitha Labantu has grown into one of South Africa's most respected GBV organisations, serving over 11,000 survivors and affected families, with offices in five provinces. They have counselled survivors, trained police officers, argued in courtrooms, and represented township women at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

Their work is rooted in the lived realities of marginalised communities — they are based inside the communities they serve, making their services accessible without long travel distances or language barriers.

What They Offer Survivors

24-Hour Support Line Ilitha Labantu operates 24-hour social work and paralegal support lines. If you are in crisis, experiencing abuse, or need immediate guidance, you can reach a trained professional any time of day or night.

Individual and Family Counselling Qualified social workers and counsellors provide one-on-one and family therapeutic sessions for survivors of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and GBV. Counselling is offered in local languages, including isiXhosa, making it genuinely accessible to township communities. Counselling addresses trauma, emotional recovery, and building the strength to move forward.

Emergency and Transitional Shelter — The Dorothy Zihlangu House Ilitha Labantu operates the Dorothy Zihlangu Transitional House — a safe shelter for abused women and their children (under 18) for up to three months. Named after a celebrated women's rights activist from Langa, this shelter provides safety, counselling, court support, and skills training under one roof while you plan your next steps. The shelter runs 24 hours a day.

Para-Legal Services and Court Support Ilitha Labantu provides para-legal advice, assists survivors in applying for Protection Orders at Philippi Court, and provides court support throughout legal proceedings. Their para-legal team helps you understand your legal rights and navigate the justice system with confidence.

Skills Development and Economic Empowerment Practical skills training and job-readiness programmes help survivors build the economic independence they need to leave dangerous situations permanently. These programmes bridge the gap between lived experience and employable skills.

Police Training Programme Ilitha Labantu has trained GBV-sensitive officers at over 75 SAPS stations across the Cape Metro and Cape Winelands. This means that in many stations, officers have been specifically trained to receive you with compassion, take your case seriously, and refer you to appropriate support. If you have had a difficult experience reporting at a police station, Ilitha Labantu's para-legal team can also assist with complaints.

Youth and Community Education Ilitha Labantu engages learners, teachers, and community members to challenge the norms that allow GBV to persist — building safer communities for everyone.

UN and National Advocacy Ilitha Labantu is part of the Civil Society National Delegation to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women — bringing the voices of township survivors to global decision-making tables.

All services are FREE. Their offices are located directly in Gugulethu and Khayelitsha — in the heart of the communities they serve.