EC Health pledges to update Parly on progress made to improve Thuthuzela Care Centres - EWN

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has pledged to report back to Parliament in two weeks’ time with comprehensive feedback on the progress made to fully equip and staff Thuthuzela Care Centres.

This, after the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) highlighted systemic failures in the functioning of centres that are meant to assist the victims of gender-based violence (GBV).

However, the department said improvements have been made in response to the CGE’s recommendations since their 2024 inspection of eleven of the province’s twelve Thuthuzela Care Centres.

Members of Parliament (MPs) said that while in some parts of the country the Thuthuzela Care Centres are working well, the findings of the CGE in the Eastern Cape are concerning.

The commission’s oversight has revealed many shortcomings at the centres, including the lack of medical officials, long waiting times for victims, inadequate security and no transport system for the victims.