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Home of Hope for Girls changing lives for a better future

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Published: Tuesday, 29 November 2022 09:00

Johannesburg, 29 November 2022. Gender-based violence is a systemic issue, impacting almost every aspect of life. It disproportionately affects women and girls, and is deeply entrenched in institutions, cultures and traditions in South Africa. 25 November to 10 December marks the annual international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence which sheds light on an issue which is often hidden or ignored.

It is people like Khanyisile Motsa, affectionately known as Mam Khanyi, who refuse to look the other way, who spearhead the fight against gender-based violence by helping survivors overcome their past and creating awareness amongst communities to address ideologies that drive abusive and violent behaviour. It is people like her that inspire us and remind us that we all have a duty to protect women and children.

For more than two decades Mam Khanyi has advocated for and rehabilitated the child survivors of trafficking and abuse. In 2000, she founded Home of Hope for Girls, a registered charity in Johannesburg that offers a safe home to survivors of abusive situations, predominantly linked to child sex trafficking. Over 22 years, Mam Khanyi has rescued over 11,000 vulnerable children.

Says Mam Khanyi: “Gender-based violence and child trafficking are destroying lives and communities. Home of Hope for Girls is restoring human dignity. We offer girls a family and education which is key to a better future. Promoting education is an important part of our work as it helps girls to become independent and successful in life. We help them enrol in school and obtain school uniforms and textbooks.”

Home of Hope for Girls currently has two homes in Johannesburg in addition to an outreach centre in the Hillbrow/Berea area. Around 80 girls receive full-time care while another 150 children are supported by the outreach programme.

Home of Hope for Girls works closely with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and welfare organisations to identify abuse and remove children from exploitative situations. Where possible, trafficked girls are reunited with responsible family members or provided with the necessary support to live independent and fulfilling lives of their own. The charity protects children by setting in motion legal action against those who threaten them, and works closely with social workers and the Department of Social Development in sourcing and applying for identity documents, and preparing for and attending court cases.

“We can all change our lives and we can all change the world. The more children we save, the better our world becomes,” concludes Mam Khanyi.

Queries and questions

If you would like an interview with Mam Khanye or have any queries, please contact:

Memory Johnstone
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 082 719 3081

or

Meghan Russell
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Tel: 072 460 8931

or

Taryn van Olden
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel: 082 779 1314