DOROTHY ZIHLANGU TRANSITIONAL HOUSE
Providing safe, temporary shelter and comprehensive support for women survivors of violence and abuse and their children
The Dorothy Zihlangu Transitional House is a safe, temporary home for women and their children escaping violence, offering protection, support and pathways towards safer, independent lives.
If you need temporary shelter, call or SMS our helpline:
072 063 4407 (Gugulethu)
072 076 6118 (Khayelitsha)
The Dorothy Zihlangu Transitional House honours the life and legacy of Dorothy Nomazotsho Zihlangu, a courageous woman whose commitment to gender equality and freedom helped shape South Africa’s democratic journey.
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Born in 1920 in Dyamala Village in the Eastern Cape, Dorothy Zihlangu later moved to Cape Town, where she became involved in the struggle against apartheid. She participated in the historic 1956 Women’s March to Pretoria and the 1960 stay-at-home protest, and was subsequently arrested and detained. Despite repeated restrictions, banning orders and police persecution, she continued her activism, including working underground during the State of Emergency in the 1980s.
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Her life reflected courage, resilience and an enduring commitment to the rights and dignity of women. In 2005, she was posthumously awarded the Order of Luthuli in Silver for her contribution to the struggle for gender equality and a free and democratic South Africa.
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Her legacy continues to inspire Ilitha Labantu’s work to support women, challenge violence and advance dignity, safety and equality.
Discover more about women’s stories and legacies through the Isisele Senyathi Women’s Hub.
The Dorothy Zihlangu Transitional House provides three-months' temporary shelter and support to women experiencing or escaping physical, emotional, verbal, financial, psychological or sexual abuse. Women may be accommodated with or without their children, including mothers seeking to protect their children from violence within the home.
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Shelter is complemented by a range of support services designed to help women regain safety, stability and independence. Residents can access counselling and psychosocial support, including crisis intervention and ongoing emotional support, as well as legal assistance and referrals to appropriate services. Women can also access education, training and economic empowerment opportunities to strengthen their skills, confidence and ability to rebuild their lives.
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Support groups, advice and practical referrals further help women navigate the challenges of leaving abusive situations and moving towards longer-term safety and wellbeing. Through this integrated approach, the Transitional House forms part of Ilitha Labantu’s broader continuum of services for survivors, connecting women to the support they need both during their stay and beyond.