From left, Clyde Pillay, president of the Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society and Reuben Naidoo, president of the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council SA - North Coast Region, at the handover of the healing and peace garden.
Image: Supplied
In a significant step towards alleviating the plight of survivors of domestic violence and child abuse, the Tongaat Child and Family Welfare Society is set to officially open its Pure Hearts Safe House on June 6.
Jo Moodley, the Society’s social work and general manager, said the safe house would provide interim safety for mothers and children affected by domestic violence, extreme neglect, and physical or sexual abuse.
She said the vision to open a safe house stemmed from an alarming rise in cases of abused women and children.
“We are alerted to such urgent situations daily.”
Moodley said while the society prepared the necessary legal paperwork, the safe house will ensure mothers and children have immediate protection.
“They will also receive medical care, food, and basic necessities. In addition, they will be free from further trauma, while our social workers carry out investigations.”
Clyde Pillay, the Society’s president, emphasised the safe house’s role in protecting dignity and well-being.
“The safe house is a vital part of our work. It helps us preserve the dignity and well-being of children and families after trauma. We can now offer them comfort, and at the heart of this effort are our professional social workers, who ensure those affected have a real chance to recover and look toward a more positive future.”
Pillay said the Society extended a special thanks to the Sri Sathya Sai Global Council SA - North Coast Region for creating a healing and peace garden at the safe house.
“It has been designed to inspire calm, peace, love, and hope. This special space serves as something deeply meaningful for the abused and vulnerable children placed in our care. The garden will provide the children with an environment where they can feel safe, comforted, and emotionally nurtured on their healing journey.”
The healing and peace garden.
Image: Supplied
Pillay added that Society's vision was made possible by the generosity of donors and well-wishers who contributed funding, goods, and expertise.
“The Society would like to thank all donors for making a lasting difference in the lives of our children. They have all been extended a special invite to the upcoming official opening so that they may join us in our continued work with the abused and vulnerable.”