Rand Refinery restores Mercy Haven as a sanctuary for GBV survivors

Rand Refinery, Africa’s only London Bullion Market Association–accredited precious metals refinery and a global referee, has officially handed over the refurbished Mercy Haven shelter for women and children in Boksburg to chairperson, Daryl Gabin. The project reaffirms the company’s commitment to combating gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa and creating safer spaces for survivors.

The refurbishment, completed over four months, is part of Rand Refinery’s Socio-Economic Development Programme for 2024/2025 in partnership with the South African Police Services (SAPS) in Germiston. With an investment of R3.2 million for the much-needed refurbishment, the initiative ensures safe living conditions, essential facilities and sustainable improvements at Mercy Haven. It follows earlier interventions at safe houses supported through partnerships with SAPS in Germiston and Alberton.

GBV is one of the most pressing human rights issues in South Africa and across the African continent. Statistics released by Stats SA indicate that one in three women aged 16 and older has experienced physical violence, while one in five has faced sexual abuse. Similarly, a Human Sciences Research Council report revealed that 33.1% of women aged 18 and older have endured physical violence in their lifetime, underscoring the widespread nature of gender-based violence in the country.

According to the SAPS crime statistics, a total of 13 453 sexual offences were recorded between January and March 2025. This includes 10 688 rape cases, 1 872 sexual assaults, 656 attempted sexual offences and 236 contact sexual offences

Globally, the scale of the crisis is also stark. An estimated 736 million women, one in three worldwide, have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime. Every day, 140 women and girls are killed by family members, making the home the most dangerous place for many women.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and UN Women, Africa recorded the highest number of femicides globally in 2023, with 21 700 women and girls killed by intimate partners or family members. This equates to a staggering rate of 2.9 per 100 000 women – the highest in the world.

In South Africa, the crisis is even more acute. Research from the South African Medical Research Council shows that 80% of all murders of women in the country are femicides, with most victims killed by their intimate partners or family members. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of these women had previously reported abuse to authorities, highlighting the urgent need for safe and reliable shelters like Mercy Haven that can intervene before tragedy strikes.

“Gender-based violence is not just a social issue; it is a national emergency. Every statistic represents a woman, a child, a family torn apart. At Rand Refinery, we believe business has a responsibility to act. Mercy Haven is more than a building; it is a sanctuary that restores dignity and hope,” Praveen Baijnath, CEO of Rand Refinery, said during the handover.

“The refurbishment of Mercy Haven is part of our broader vision to create sustainable impact in communities. This project highlights how partnerships between corporates, SAPS and local stakeholders can deliver life-changing results. Our commitment is to continue standing with survivors and building safer futures.”

The statistics underscore why projects like Mercy Haven are vital. Beyond providing beds and shelter, they serve as lifelines, spaces where survivors of abuse can access safety, dignity, counselling and the resources needed to rebuild their lives. They also act as crucial preventive measures in a country where too many women and children are forced to return to abusive environments due to a lack of alternatives.

By refurbishing Mercy Haven, Rand Refinery is not only addressing immediate safety needs but also contributing to systemic solutions. Leveraging its supplier base and professional partners, the company has ensured the facility now meets the highest standards of safety and comfort.

This project demonstrates how the private sector can play a decisive role in addressing GBV, complementing the work of law enforcement, civil society and government. The facility is used by the Germiston Police Station to provide long-term shelter for women and children who are victims of GBV.

“For the women and children who arrive here, this home is often the difference between life and death. Thanks to Rand Refinery’s support, Mercy Haven is now better equipped to provide safety, care and a path to recovery,” adds Gabin.