The Department of Social Development has made its Command Centre for Gender-Based Violence – a 24-hour call centre for victims of gender-based violence staffed by trained social workers and hosted by Vodacom – available to provide psychosocial support for South African citizens struggling to deal with Nelson Mandela’s passing.
The special service, which is available during the ten day mourning period declared by President Jacob Zuma, will assist individuals by preventing distress and suffering developing into something more severe and help people cope better and become reconciled to everyday life.
Explaining her Department’s decision to offer this service to the general populace, Minister for Social Development, Ms Bathabile Dlamini, said, “Social and shared experiences caused by disruptive events such as death, a sense of loss and feelings of helplessness may have severe psychosocial consequences if not attended to immediately. Tata Mandela was dearly loved by all South Africans and the effects of his passing on our society cannot be underestimated.”
South Africans experiencing difficulty in dealing psychologically with Madiba’s passing can call 0860 004 015 to speak to a professional counsellor. The service is available 24 hours a day.
Media enquiries may be directed to:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
Lindo Nkomonde
Cell: 082 790 6108
