HEALING LIVES FOUNDATION
From crisis to careers. From silence to strength.
We are a South African NPO dedicated to GBV prevention and survivor empowerment. Our flagship programme, Healing Lives, combines aftercare, skills development, job creation, awareness, psychological and social work education, justice system education, and research – with a 13-part series on SABC 1 during the 16 Days of Activism, reaching 10+ million viewers.
We are an NSP implementation partner, delivering all six pillars of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.
On 15 August, Healing Lives Foundation was honoured to attend the Gertrude Shope 2nd Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Baleka Mbete Foundation.
The lecture celebrated the life and legacy of Mama Gertrude Shope—a woman of courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to the liberation of South Africa. Speakers shared her story, her values, and her enduring impact on the nation.
A Question for Our Generation:
"Every generation has got a responsibility to know what its mission is. Mine was to liberate the country. What is yours?"
Mama Shope's words challenge us to reflect on our own mission. At Healing Lives Foundation, we have answered the call—liberating survivors from the chains of Gender-Based Violence, giving them their voice back, and creating opportunities for healing and hope.
What is your mission?
Healing Lives Foundation Attends Gertrude Shope 2nd Memorial Lecture
Healing Lives Foundation Attends Gertrude Shope 2nd Memorial Lecture
Gertrude Shope 2nd Memorial Lecture
On 12 August, Healing Lives Foundation attended the inaugural Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Annual Lecture at the University of Johannesburg—Women Driving Societal Impact: Legacy, Leadership, and the Future.
The lecture brought together powerful women who are contributing to change, fighting for equality, and proving that women are capable of doing great things. It was a reminder that we don't wait for perfection—we start building where we are, with what we have, one brick at a time.
Why This Matters:
Healing Lives Foundation exists to create opportunities for those who feel hopeless, forgotten, lost, broken, and voiceless. This event reinforced our commitment to building, to making a difference, and to ensuring that every survivor knows they matter.
From crisis to career. From silence to strength.
Healing Lives Foundation Attends Inaugural Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Annual Lecture
Healing Lives Foundation attended the inaugural Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Annual Lecture at the University of Johannesburg
Healing Lives Foundation attended the inaugural Dr Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka Annual Lecture at the University of Johannesburg
On 9 August 2026, Healing Lives Foundation joined the 70th Women's Day Commemoration March from Sammy Marks Square to the Union Buildings.
Why We Marched:
The women of 1956 marched for freedom. We march for a South Africa free from Gender-Based Violence—free from fear, free from silence.
We did not march just to remember 1956. We marched to build 2026 and beyond.
Our Commitment:
Healing Lives Foundation is dedicated to giving survivors their voice back, their power back, and their future back. Through our Skills Labs, Help Desks, justice education, local campaigns, working with youth boys and girls, and SABC 1 series, we are building a future where women, girls and everyone can walk freely, speak boldly, and live without fear.
Healing Lives Foundation Marches at 70th Women's Day Commemoration
Ready to move from Sammy Marks Square to the Union Buildings
We marched to build 2026 and beyond
On 5 August 2026, Healing Lives Foundation, in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development, attended the Integrated Service Blitz at Eyethu Shopping Centre in Soweto.
What We Did:
We took our services directly to the people—listening, learning, and offering support through our skills development programmes, dialogues, and community engagement initiatives.
What We Learned:
The hunger for skills development and digital inclusion is real. People want to learn, grow, and build better lives.
Gogos (grandmothers) are eager to learn AI and technology—to be independent and not be taken advantage of by family members who steal from them while pretending to help.
One woman shared a heart-wrenching story of a 25-year struggle with Home Affairs—she is married to a foreigner she has never met.
Why This Matters:
When you go to the people, you realise how much is really going on. You don't assume. You listen. You learn. And you act.
Our Commitment:
🗣️ Creating dialogues where people can speak and know they matter
🛠️ Following with action to assist and give people the foundation to build amazing lives
💜 Bringing hope and helping transform lives
From crisis to career. From silence to strength.
Healing Lives Takes Services to Soweto – Integrated Service Blitz
Hon. Baleka Mbete – Former Deputy President of South Africa
Hon. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko – MEC for Social Development, Gauteng
SAWIMA – Ms. Fezeka Mavuso and team
DSD National – Ms. Carol Tladi, GBVCC Manager
NPA Mamelodi TCC – Ms. Matilda Maroga & Adv. Lida Van Schalkwyk
AIF – Ms. Lauren Campbell
Maseti Luzipho Foundation – Mr. Lungisa Maseti
Healing of Hearts – Ms. Andiswa Mgwigwi
National Lotteries Commission – Commissioner
And the community of Mamelodi
We were joined by:
On Mandela Day – 18 July 2026, Healing Lives Foundation officially launched at Ikageng Hall, Mamelodi East.
Healing Lives Foundation has been featured in national media:
📰 The Citizen – "Mother's legacy becomes refuge for GBV survivors in Mamelodi"
📰 Rekord – "Foundation offers new hope for women in Mamelodi"
📰 SAnews – "Foundation launched to help GBVF survivors heal"
📰 IOL – "GBV survivors in Mamelodi get new pathway to healing and employment"
Why Mamelodi?
In the News
Mamelodi is the #2 GBV hotspot in South Africa. This is where we started—because if we can make a difference here, we can make a difference anywhere.
🤝 SAWIMA Partnership – The South African Women in Mining Association (SAWIMA) has come on board as a strategic partner and sponsor for our Mandela Day Launch.
🎙️ Mamelodi FM Interview – We went live with the NPA Mamelodi TCC team to announce our partnership and educate the community about Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs).
Happenings
Hon. Baleka Mbete on why she supports Healing Lives:
With Mamelodi TCC & Mams FM
Healing Lives Foundation
SAWIMA our partners
The Impact
The Impact We Are Making
Jobs for Survivors
Justice System Education
Survivors gain economic independence through our corporate quota system – freeing them from dependence on abusers and opening pathways to sustainable careers.
Millions will learn their legal rights, how the justice system works, and what happens to perpetrators – building trust and restoring faith in the law.
Help Desks Nationwide
Walk-in support centres in accessible locations – providing immediate counselling, crisis intervention, and referrals to survivors who need face-to-face help.
Research Hub for Policy Change
Our Research Hub tracks case backlog, conviction rates, and survivor outcomes.
National Broadcast Reach
Our 13-part SABC series reaches 10+ million South Africans during the 16 Days of Activism – turning viewers into active change-makers.
50+ Skills Labs Across All 9 Provinces
Computers, WiFi, and AWS certification at shelters and community centres – giving survivors the digital skills they need for the modern economy.
Create Real Jobs with Real Dignity
Survivors gain economic independence through AWS certification, digital literacy, and job placement – breaking the cycle of dependency and abuse.