MEC Ms Nandi Maythula-Khoza visits Bella Maria
On Friday 26th August a number of very important people paid a visit to Bella Maria – Shelter for abused women.
August is the month that women all over the world are celebrated and honoured and Bella Maria is the safe haven for abused women, assisting women who are being abused and have nowhere to go. The MEC for the Department of Social Development, Ms. Nandi Mayathula-Khoza, decided to pay a visit to Bella Maria on this day. Joining her on the visit was Kate Jacobs, Director for the Sedibeng Department of Social Development and two Senior Social Work Managers for NPO partnerships and Finance – Michael Marubini and Mamojapele Malimabe. Frank Allies, Chairperson for LifeLine/Bella Maria and his wife, Claudine, were also at Bella Maria that morning. Colleen Rogers, LifeLine/Bella Maria Director, gave a short presentation and a general discussion about Bella Maria and the activities at the shelter took place. Thereafter the MEC spent time walking around the house and facilities, asking questions about the activities and listening to the challenges that face some of the women who access the shelter. Lynn Strydom, Housemother and Dineo Ramushu, Social Worker at Bella Maria also interacted and answered questions of the group.
The visitors then spent some time chatting over a cup of tea and some cake and then went on to a women’s month celebration at Bantu Bonke. It was a pleasure for Bella Maria to host the MEC and senior staff members – this is definitely a first for us!!!
For more information about LifeLine, Bella Maria or any of our other safe havens visit us at www.lifelinevaal.showme.co.za