National GBVF Hotspots Prevention, Care and Support Programme

About the Programme

NICDAM is proud to implement the National Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Hotspots Prevention, Care and Support Programme, funded by the National Lotteries Commission (NLC). The programme is implemented across 33 identified GBVF hotspot communities in all nine provinces of South Africa to strengthen prevention, response and support services for survivors of gender-based violence and femicide.

The programme is delivered by a dedicated team of 65 Social Workers and 104 GBVF Ambassadors, who provide trauma-informed psychosocial support, counselling, advocacy, referrals, awareness campaigns, community dialogues and educational initiatives. Working in partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Department of Social Development (DSD), healthcare facilities, schools, traditional and religious leaders and community-based organisations, the programme promotes coordinated, survivor-centred responses while strengthening local support systems and encouraging long-term social change.

Programme Footprint

The programme operates in the following GBVF hotspot communities:

  • Eastern Cape: Butterworth, KwaZakhele and Mthatha.

  • Free State: Bloemspruit.

  • Gauteng: Alexandra, Dobsonville, Emfuleni, Mamelodi East, Moroka,

    Orange Farm, Temba and Tembisa.

  • KwaZulu-Natal: Empangeni, Inanda, KwaMashu, Ntuzuma, Osizweni,

    Plessislaer and Umlazi.

  • Limpopo: Mankweng, Seshego and Thohoyandou.

  • Mpumalanga: Ermelo and Lothair.

  • Northern Cape: Kuruman.

  • North West: Ikageng.

  • Western Cape: Bellville, Delft, Gugulethu, Inyanga, Khayelitsha,

    Kraaifontein and Mitchells Plain.

NICDAM offices are operational in all nine provinces through a dedicated team of 169 staff members, supported by a management, monitoring and evaluation team at NICDAMs head office in Centurion.

Our Impact

In just the first six weeks of implementation, the programme achieved significant milestones:

  • 820 survivors received trauma-informed psychosocial support.

  • 15,973 community members were reached through awareness campaigns and dialogues.

  • 5,045 households were reached through door-to-door community engagement.

  • 224 referrals connected survivors to critical support services.

  • Strong partnerships were established with government departments, healthcare providers, schools, community organisations and law enforcement agencies to strengthen coordinated GBVF responses.

How We Make a Difference

The programme focuses on:

  • Trauma-informed psychosocial support and counselling.

  • Community awareness and prevention campaigns.

  • Community dialogues and educational initiatives.

  • Strengthening referral pathways.

  • Building partnerships with local stakeholders.

  • Capacity building, debriefing and supervision for Social Workers and GBVF Ambassadors.

  • Promoting safer, more resilient communities through survivor-centred support and prevention initiatives.

Looking Ahead

NICDAM remains committed to expanding access to quality support services, strengthening partnerships and empowering communities to prevent gender-based violence and femicide. Through continued awareness, education, advocacy and coordinated action, the programme aims to create lasting change and contribute to a safer South Africa for all.

Visit the National Lotteries Commission website to find out about other projects funded by the NLC: www.nlcsa.org.za

Older Persons Programme

About the Programme

The Older Persons Programme was launched in 2024 to strengthen the capacity of caregivers providing services to older persons in both Community-Based Care and Support Services (CBCSS) and Residential Care Facilities.

The programme equips caregivers with the practical knowledge, professional skills and workplace experience needed to deliver quality, person-centred care while promoting the dignity, wellbeing and independence of older persons..

Programme History and Experience

NICDAM has a longstanding history of developing and implementing caregiver skills programmes. From 2015 to 2019, NICDAM was contracted by the National Department of Social Development (NDSD) to develop three different skills programmes, which were registered with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA).

Between 2016 and 2019, caregivers from all nine provinces were trained through these three skills programmes. A total of 367 learner Portfolios of Evidence (POEs) were verified and endorsed by HWSETA.

The three skills programmes registered with HWSETA came to an end in July 2025. The registration of the new skills programme, including the approval of learning materials, has subsequently shifted from HWSETA to the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).

NICDAM is currently in the process of registering the new Caregiver Skills Programme with QCTO.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

  • Develop a skilled and competent caregiver workforce complying with the Older Persons Amendment Act 1 of 2025 requirements.

  • Improve the quality of care provided to older persons.

  • Strengthen Community-Based Care and Support Services (CBCSS) and Residential Care Facilities.

  • Promote professional standards and best practices in older persons care.

  • Support the implementation of sustainable care services across South Africa.

Skills Programmes

Participants complete three caregiver skills programmes:

  • Assistant Older Persons Caregiver

  • Auxiliary Older Persons Caregiver

  • Older Persons Caregiver

Each programme consists of 5 days of theory and 15 days of practicals, resulting in a total of 60 training days across all three programmes.

Training Approach

Training combines theoretical learning with practical experience to ensure participants are fully prepared for the workplace.

The programme includes:

  • Knowledge Module: Classroom-based theory and foundational learning.

  • Practical Module: Simulation-based practical skills training.

  • Workplace Experience Module: Supervised practical experience under the guidance of a registered nurse or workplace supervisor.

Participants also complete:

  • Practical workbooks

  • Written assessments

  • Competency evaluations

Programme Roll-out

2025 Pilot Phase

The pilot programme was successfully implemented in Gauteng and the Western Cape to evaluate and strengthen programme delivery before national expansion.

Gauteng

  • 25 participants enrolled

  • 24 participants successfully completed the programme

Western Cape

  • 30 participants enrolled

  • 28 participants successfully completed the programme

The pilot training received strong support from the National Department of Social Development, Provincial Departments of Social Development, and District Departments of Social Development. Senior leaders, including Heads of Department (HODs) and Directors, attended the training and delivered motivational addresses to participants.

2026 Expansion

Building on the success of the pilot, the programme expanded into:

  • Free State

  • Eastern Cape

Each province has 31 participants enrolled for training.

The programme will continue to expand into additional provinces through 2027, increasing access to quality caregiver training and strengthening services for older persons nationwide.

Creating Lasting Impact

By investing in caregiver development, the Older Persons Programme is strengthening South Africa's care sector, improving service delivery, and ensuring that older persons receive compassionate, professional and dignified care.

Through collaboration, practical training and continuous skills development, NICDAM remains committed to empowering caregivers and supporting healthier, more resilient communities.