Keetmanshoop GBV Centre battles funding woes

A gender-based violence (GBV) facility in Keetmanshoop is struggling to keep its doors open amid delayed government payments, staff shortages, a lack of dedicated drivers and uncertainty over the renewal of its contract, which expired in June.

The crisis came to light during an oversight visit by the parliamentary standing committee on gender equality recently, which is currently visiting residential care facilities, welfare organisations and GBV centres in the ||Kharas region.

The committee, led by deputy chairperson Ephraim Nekongo and comprising Lilani Brinkman and Vetaruhe Kandorozu, was told that the facility completed a new contract but has yet to receive confirmation from the national office on whether it has been renewed. Staff said the facility has not received payment since July, leaving its operations under severe financial strain.

The lack of communication between the facility and the national office was highlighted as one of its biggest challenges, with staff saying they often struggle to obtain clear answers from the relevant authorities.

The facility has six houses, but only two are currently being used. Staff said the remaining houses could not be fully utilised because of operational constraints, including a lack of personnel and office space.

Transport is another major challenge.

Although the facility has vehicles, it does not have dedicated drivers. Social workers are therefore expected to perform multiple roles, including transporting survivors to hospitals and handling other duties outside their core responsibilities. “It is not practical at all,” staff told the committee.

The facility has had to rely on assistance from police officers and other government departments to transport clients to hospitals and attend to other essential needs. Staff said the situation places additional pressure on an already stretched service.

Staff seek urgent clarity

The centre recorded 13 clients during the 2025/26 financial year, including 11 children and two adults.

From April to July this year, it recorded a further eight clients.

However, the centre's ability to accommodate new survivors has been affected by its staffing and operational challenges.

Staff told the committee that the centre currently houses two children. The committee's visit comes amid growing concerns about the capacity of support services to respond to survivors of GBV, particularly children who require safe accommodation, social work intervention, medical attention and other forms of support.

The immediate concern for the Keetmanshoop facility is whether it will have the resources and certainty needed to continue providing these services.

Staff are calling for urgent clarity on its contract, the settlement of outstanding payments, dedicated drivers and additional operational support.