Latest: We successfully launched on Mandela Day – 18 July 2026 in Mamelodi, Gauteng – the #2 GBV hotspot in South Africa. The community came. The leaders came. The movement has begun.

Mandela Day Launch – 18 July 2026 | Mamelodi, Gauteng

IOL – Independent Online

"A new non-profit organisation aimed at helping survivors of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) rebuild their lives has been launched in Mamelodi, one of Gauteng's identified GBVF hotspots."

Read the full article: IOL – GBV survivors in Mamelodi get new pathway to healing and employment

Healing Lives Foundation Mandela Day Launch

📰 IN THE NEWS

Our Mandela Day Launch in Mamelodi—the #2 GBV hotspot in South Africa—was covered by national media, marking an important milestone in our journey "From Crisis to Career – From Silence to Strength."

SAnews.gov.za – Official Government News Agency

"The Gauteng Social Development MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, joined government leaders, civil society organisations and members of the community in supporting the official launch of the Healing Lives Foundation at the Mamelodi Community Hall in east of Pretoria."

Read the full article: SAnews – Foundation launched to help GBVF survivors heal

Our Supporters with Former Deputy President of South Africa Hon. Baleka Mbete and The Gauteng Social Development MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

Former Deputy President of South Africa

"In his very first presidential inauguration speech, Nelson Mandela spoke about the importance of our country healing—that we still need to heal and support each other. We must remember the importance of ubuntu and go back to how our parents used to live—in peace and love, supporting each other, where everyone was safe no matter where they were."

"This is why I felt the need to support Healing Lives Foundation when I heard about what they stand for and what they are trying to achieve with nothing."

Former deputy president of South Africa Hon Baleka Mbete

🎤 VOICES OF SUPPORT

Hon. Baleka Mbete

Hon. Baleka Mbete speaking at the launch

MEC for Social Development, Gauteng

"We are pleased to launch this programme with you that can assist vulnerable women and children. As the department, we are committing to work with you to declare war against gender-based violence."

"Government remains resolute in its commitment to ending the cycle of violence and calls on all sectors of society to play an active role in protecting women and children."

Gauteng Department of Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

Hon. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko addressing the community

Treasurer General, South African Women in Mining Association (SAWIMA)

"As we gather in the spirit of Mandela Day, we are reminded that Nelson Mandela challenged each of us to become active participants in building a society founded on dignity, justice, equality and compassion. His vision was not simply one of political freedom, but of a South Africa where every individual could live free from fear, discrimination and violence."

"Gender-Based Violence is not merely a social issue. It is a human rights crisis. It robs women and children of their dignity, limits economic participation, destroys families, weakens communities and undermines the development of our nation."

"Education changes mindsets. Awareness changes behaviour. Partnerships create sustainable impact."

Ms. Fezeka Mavuso

Ms. Fezeka Mavuso at the launch

Founder & Director, Healing Lives Foundation

"Our women suffer because they do not have a voice. So, we started this foundation to say, let us give you your voice back. Let us give you hope. Let us lead you to the light, so that you know that where you are, it is not the end, and it does not have to be the end."

"As we come together and launch the Healing Lives Foundation today, let us look forward to seeing more happening for our survivors. We want them to be educated and have jobs so that they do not become secondary victims."