Khumbudzo Simethi (RWVL)
Country: South Africa
Organisation / Affiliation: Bethlehem Child and Family Welfare
Languages: Tshivenda, Sesotho, Sepedi and English
Advocacy Areas:
- Gender based violence prevention and response
- Economic justice
Khumbudzo Simethi is passionate about supporting marginalised groups, with a particular focus on survivors and secondary victims of GBVF. Drawing from both personal and professional experience, she is committed to helping victims become survivors through psychosocial support, counselling and community based advocacy. She works with women, men and LGBTQIA+ communities, and advocates for a society where all people can live safely, freely and equally.
Background
Khumbudzo is a qualified social worker who studied at the University of Limpopo and has ten years of professional experience. She worked in the disability sector for five years, where she advocated for visually impaired people to access housing. In her current work, she supports survivors of GBV through counselling, psychosocial support, skills development and community mobilisation, with a strong focus on engaging men in GBVF prevention.
Areas of Expertise
- Facilitation
- Advocacy
- GBV prevention
- Community mobilisation
Current Projects / Work
Khumbudzo is involved in the Men Championing Change programme, which mobilises men as advocates against GBVF through soccer tournaments, dialogues and marches. She also supports the LETS TALK and YOLO behavioural change programmes, which aim to prevent GBVF and reduce HIV infections through small group community sessions in Bethlehem, Clarens, Fouriesburg and Paul Roux. Her organisation also provides victim empowerment services and operates a safe shelter for victims of GBV and human trafficking.
Affiliations
- CWSA Free State
- Free State Shelter Movement
- National Shelter Movement
- Dihlabeng Stakeholders Forum
- SWAWT North Eastern Free State
- Coalition of Non-Profit Organisations Free State
- Child Protection Forum
- Vhembe Women’s Group
Social Media / Website