Rebuilding lives in Mpumalanga

Advocate Christa du Plessis, the provincial manager for the National Prosecuting Authority’s Sexual Offences and Community Affairs (SOCA) Unit in Mpumalanga, shares the positive impact of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) in the province, emphasising their progress in expanding services and improving facilities.

With the recent opening of a new facility at the Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela (formerly Nelspruit), Mpumalanga now has six TCCs, further improving the province’s capacity to provide crucial support to survivors of rape and gender-based violence (GBV).

“In the last year at Nelspruit TCC, we have had just under 300 cases reported, indicating the absolute need that exists and that it is definitely benefitting the community,” notes Advocate du Plessis. “We will continue to see the numbers increasing now that we have a roll-out of domestic violence awareness at the TCCs, so we reach out not only to those who have been raped but also to victims of domestic violence.”

Discussing conviction rates for GBV offenders, Advocate du Plessis notes that the Mbombela TCC achieved a 100% conviction rate in 2022, while the Kabokweni TCC at the local Themba Hospital had an 81% conviction rate. These impressive outcomes can be attributed to close collaboration between TCC case managers, a dedicated Sexual Offences Court and excellent magistrates.

From medical and psychological support to legal assistance, the TCCs serve as comprehensive hubs for survivors, providing the help individuals need to seek justice and rebuild their lives after traumatic experiences.

“It is sad that there continues to be such a need for these services, but the fact that we are able to provide them is heartwarming,” Advocate du Plessis notes.