The planned 
expansion of Thuthuzela Care Centres (TCCs) could make it easier for survivors of sexual offences and gender-based violence (GBV) to access care and support closer to home, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
TCCs, which fall under the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), are one-stop facilities that provide survivors of sexual offences and other forms of GBV with integrated services in a supportive and victim-centred environment.
In the 2026 Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that government will expand sexual offences courts from 55 to 101 and increase the number of Thuthuzela Care Centres nationwide from 72 to 80 by financial year 2028/29.
The announcement forms part of government's response to the country's high levels of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Government has also reprioritised R3.8 billion over the 2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework period to appoint 3 552 social workers and allocated a further R186 million to strengthen forensic and investigative capacity within the criminal justice system.
Minister Godongwana said the funding gives effect to President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to intensify the fight against GBVF.
"We are expanding sexual offences courts from 55 to 101 and increasing the number of countrywide Thuthuzela Care Centres that provide support to rape victims from 72 to 80 by 2028/29.
"To improve national coordination and oversight of government's response to GBVF, an additional R157.4 million is allocated to the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities," he said.
Senior State Advocate at the NPA, Vuyokazi Ketelo, said distance can prevent survivors from accessing the centre serving their area.
"Geographical distance can result in victims presenting at local hospitals or clinics rather than travelling to the TCC servicing the wider area. Increasing the TCC footprint can therefore bring coordinated medical, psychosocial and legal services closer to communities that currently have to travel considerable distances," she said.
TCCs are generally located at public hospitals or health facilities. The model is led by the NPA's Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit in partnership with the Departments of Health and Social Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS) and civil society organisations.
"The purpose is to bring the different services a victim may need together, instead of requiring the person to navigate the criminal justice, healthcare and psychosocial support systems alone," Ketelo said.
Help is available
When a survivor arrives at a TCC, a coordinator or healthcare professional explains the process and assesses their immediate health and safety needs.
Depending on the person's circumstances and choices, support may include:
- Medical treatment.
- Forensic examinations.
- HIV and sexually transmitted infection testing.
- Preventive treatment.
- Counselling.
- Assistance with reporting an offence.
- Referrals for ongoing support services.
A place of safety may also be arranged where necessary.
Survivors do not have to go to a police station before approaching a TCC, Ketelo reiterated, adding that a survivor may report directly at a TCC situated at a hospital or clinic.
If the person wishes to pursue a criminal case, staff can assist with the reporting process and provide support as the case progresses.
Some medical interventions are time-sensitive. Ketelo said HIV post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be started as soon as possible following potential exposure to HIV and within 72 hours.
PEP is emergency medication that can help prevent HIV infection after possible exposure to the virus.
Ketelo added that an early medical examination can also identify and treat injuries and, where appropriate, allow forensic evidence to be collected.
Survivors who seek help later should still approach a health facility or TCC.
"Delay does not mean that a person has lost the right to healthcare, psychosocial support or access to the criminal justice system," she said.
Ketelo said additional centres could reduce the cost and practical difficulties associated with travelling between service providers. However, expansion would need to be supported by appropriate staffing, functioning referral pathways, suitable infrastructure and effective cooperation among partner organisations.
"Anyone unable to reach a TCC should not delay urgent medical care. They can approach a public hospital or health facility, or report a rape case to SAPS," Ketelo concluded.
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