Nthabiseng TCC (Thuthuzela Care Centre)

About the Nthabiseng Thuthuzela Care Centre

The Nthabiseng TCC is a government-operated, 24-hour one-stop facility for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. It is located at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital (Bara), Old Potchefstroom Road, Diepkloof, Soweto, 1864, in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality, Gauteng.

Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital — universally known as "Bara" — is one of the largest hospitals in the world, serving Soweto and surrounding communities with a catchment population of over 3 million people. The Nthabiseng TCC ("nthabiseng" means "make them happy" in Sesotho/SeSotho) is one of the highest-volume TCCs in the country, reflecting the massive GBV burden in the Soweto community.

It is operated by the NPA's SOCA Unit in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Health and other government departments.

Services Offered — What Happens When You Arrive

The TCC model provides the most comprehensive pre-trial services for victims of gender-based violence — psychosocial, medical, and legal services under one roof — with a victim-centred approach based on respect, comfort, restoring dignity, and ensuring justice for all vulnerable groups including girls, boys, women, and men.

At the Nthabiseng TCC:

1. Welcome and crisis support: a trained TCC Coordinator or Victim Assistant Officer receives you and provides immediate comfort and trauma containment
2. Medical examination: a doctor or nurse examines you with your consent; a nurse is present throughout; clothing may be retained as forensic evidence
3. Bath or shower facilities available after the examination
4. Police statement: a police officer takes your statement at the TCC — a case can be opened immediately or at a later stage
5. Counselling: a social worker or nurse provides psychological first aid and counselling
6. HIV PEP, STI treatment, emergency contraception prescribed and follow-up appointment arranged
7. Long-term counselling referral arranged before you leave
8. Transportation or safe accommodation: a police officer arranges transport home or refers you to a place of safety if needed
9. Specialist TCC State Advocate: a dedicated prosecutor oversees your case through prosecutor-guided investigation (PGI) from reporting through to conviction
10. Court preparation support if the case goes to trial
11. Ongoing case updates through the Victim Assistant Officer at every stage

Child-Friendly Services

TCCs are child-friendly environments equipped with specialised furniture, two-way mirrors, closed-circuit TV, and educational materials that aid child victims and witnesses in telling their story safely and giving testimony at court.

Additional Services

The TCC also provides food, comfort packs, and clothing as part of restoring the dignity of the victim.

How to Access the Centre

• Go directly to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Old Potchefstroom Road, Diepkloof, Soweto, and ask for the Nthabiseng TCC
• Report to any Soweto or Johannesburg police station and ask to be taken to the TCC
• Emergency services (ambulance) can transport you to Bara
• All TCC services are entirely free of charge

Who They Serve

Any person (woman, man, girl, or boy) who has been raped or sexually assaulted — including survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other GBV in Soweto, Diepkloof, Meadowlands, Dobsonville, Orlando, Dobsonvile, Lenasia, and the broader Johannesburg south and west areas. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Operated By

NPA SOCA Unit, in partnership with: - Gauteng Department of Health (Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital) - SAPS Soweto / Johannesburg - Department of Social Development - Department of Justice

NPA Gauteng Cluster Managers

Adv. Vuyokazi Ketelo — 012 845 6165 Ms. Carina Coetzee — 012 845 6072