All 17 branches of The Haven Night Shelter Welfare Organisation facilities across the Cape Peninsula united in a synchronised initiative, which saw nine pink helium-filled balloons sent into the sky in each region on Monday, September 21, at noon.
Organisation chief executive officer (CEO) Pastor Shadrick "Shaddie" Valayadum said the meaningful event served as a visual statement of remembrance, solidarity, and a collective stance against gender-based violence (GBV).
As the clock struck noon, staff members and clients released the nine pink balloons, watching them rise as a symbol of remembrance for the lives lost and hope for a safer future.
The initiative was held in memory of the nine women whose bodies have been found in Ekurhuleni since July.
At the Napier Shelter in Green Point, staff members, clients, and the team gathered to honour the victims and raise awareness about the pervasive impact of violence within homes, workplaces, and local communities.
Valayadum said: “We remember the nine women who lost their lives. We stand together in solidarity and say no to gender-based violence.”
Before releasing the balloon, they reflected on the responsibilities of community members - particularly men - in halting abuse.
Discussions highlighted the need for education, awareness, and men standing together to reject violence and hold abusers accountable.
Shelter staff call for education and accountability
Speaking to the Atlantic Sun, Valayadum said that the cycle of abuse needed to stop immediately, and that it started from within.
"We say, let's stand together, let's create awareness, that it's not okay. The other thing, you know, that we don't speak about is silent treatment," he said.
He said that both men and women want to be acknowledged and sometimes in relationships, each of them become or self-centred, in that they do not focus on doing things together or tap into how the other person is feeling.
“Together we can stop gender based violence by educating.”
"This is an education, an awareness, but it is also a standing together in solidarity," he said.
Addressing the gathered team, shelter group human resources manager Sadie Hendricks spoke openly about the hidden nature of domestic abuse and human trafficking, and emphasised how frequently victims suffer in silence due to fear, stigma, embarrassment, or lack of access to support.
“I’ve dealt with staff members who go through violence in their homes, and they stay quiet about it,” she said.
Hendricks explained how guidance and access to professional support services could make a life-changing difference for women facing abuse.
“It’s in our homes, in our communities, and in our workplaces. So today is a very special day to stand together against gender-based violence,” she said.
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