The Public Servants Association (PSA) has called on Minister of Public Works and Infrastructure Dean Macpherson to roll out across the country the initiative to repurpose vacant government buildings into shelters for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), saying there are many government-owned buildings that are unused.

Last week, Macpherson handed over ten properties in Mpumalanga and five in Gauteng to be used as shelters for victims of GBV.

This followed a previous handover of five properties in Gauteng.

The PSA recognised the transformative potential of this action, which it said not only provided immediate relief and protection to survivors but also underscored the government's commitment to combating GBV.

“By utilising existing infrastructure, this initiative demonstrates a pragmatic and compassionate approach to GBV. This initiative is a significant step towards addressing the urgent need for safe spaces for victims of GBV,” it stated.

The PSA added that repurposing these buildings for the good of humanity was a sign that government was aware of the challenges facing citizens.

The PSA previously called on government to make use of such buildings for the benefit of the country, including renting these to worthy causes.

It noted that unoccupied government building were costly for government to provide security for and may become “havens for criminality or even be illegally occupied”.

The PSA called for collaboration between government entities, civil society, and community organisations to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of these shelters.

“By means of such collective efforts substantial progress can be made to combat GBV and provide support to those in need,” it said.

The PSA said it was committed to advocating for policies and actions that protected and empowered survivors of GBV and would continue to support efforts that promoted safety, dignity, and justice.

It pointed to the statistics, which indicated that almost one in three women had been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least once in their life.