Eastern Cape Health Opens Flagstaff Thuthuzela Care Centre at Holy Cross Hospital

The Eastern Cape Department of Health has officially opened the Flagstaff Thuthuzela Care Centre (TCC) at Holy Cross Hospital, marking a significant step in strengthening support services for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the province.

The launch brought together key stakeholders from law enforcement, prosecution services, social development, and healthcare, all pledging coordinated support to ensure the centre operates effectively and compassionately.

Support Beyond Rape Cases

Advocate Mkhuseli Rusi from the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) emphasised that Thuthuzela Care Centres are designed to provide comprehensive support to victims of Gender-Based Violence — not only rape survivors.

He explained that the centres aim to offer integrated services, including medical care, counselling, and assistance with the legal process, all in one location to reduce further trauma to victims.

Health Department Pledges Training and Support

Ms Thembisile Mboniswa, PEP and PrEP Manager in the Eastern Cape Department of Health, confirmed that the department will provide ongoing capacitation and training for clinicians and caregivers working at the centre.

She added that debriefing sessions will also be made available to caregivers to ensure they are emotionally supported while dealing with often traumatic cases.

SAPS to Ensure Faster Case Processing

Brigadier Waka from the Lusikisiki Zone pledged that a member of the South African Police Service (SAPS) will be stationed at the facility to help fast-track the process of taking statements and opening cases.

“Our goal is to make the process as less traumatic as possible for the victims,” he said.

Having a dedicated SAPS presence on site is expected to streamline investigations and reduce delays that victims often face when reporting cases.

Social Development Calls for Protocol Compliance

Department of Social Development Area Manager Ms Futhi Nothobela urged site coordinators to actively engage in gender-based violence matters and ensure proper adherence to Thuthuzela protocols.

She noted that the Lusikisiki forum is already operational but requires additional assistance to strengthen its impact.

“Officials need to go through the Thuthuzela protocol so that they can understand the vision, mission and mandate of the project,” she said.

Nothobela also stressed the importance of proper record-keeping, instructing coordinators to maintain individual files for each victim. These files would serve as backup documentation should official dockets go missing. She added that continuous protocol engagement sessions will be conducted to broaden officials’ understanding of procedures.

Hospital Management Welcomes the Initiative

Speaking on behalf of hospital management, Holy Cross Hospital Clinical Manager Dr Bongani Mhlanga expressed gratitude for the establishment of the Flagstaff TCC.

“Clinicians are ready to take the project forward. Our wish is to support the work of the TCC so its reach can grow,” he said.

Expanding the National Network

According to officials, there are currently 69 Thuthuzela Care Centres across South Africa, with 12 operating in the Eastern Cape. The addition of the Flagstaff TCC strengthens the province’s response to GBV and enhances access to integrated victim support services in the region.

The Flagstaff Thuthuzela Care Centre comprises a multi-sectoral partnership including the National Prosecuting Authority, South African Police Service, Department of Social Development, Department of Health, Department of Education, and the Eastern Cape House of Traditional Leaders.

Authorities say the centre is expected to play a crucial role in improving conviction rates, supporting victims through the justice process, and ensuring that survivors receive the medical, psychological and legal care they need in one safe environment.