The Callas Foundation in Cape Town: Hope, Protection, and Social Change

In the heart of Cape Town’s Cape Flats, the Callas Foundation works to open up new opportunities for people facing difficult life circumstances. The organization is particularly dedicated to combating gender-based violence (GBV) and combines social support with educational initiatives, legal advice, and community projects.

An organization with roots in the community

Although the foundation was officially established in 2018, it has been active for decades, collaborating with local initiatives, authorities, and social organizations in the communities surrounding Athlone and Bridgetown. Its goal is to create safe spaces and empower individuals affected by violence, poverty, or social exclusion.

The organization’s holistic approach is particularly noteworthy: the Callas Foundation does not view violence in isolation, but rather as part of broader societal issues such as poverty, a lack of prospects, and structural inequality. Consequently, it combines psychosocial support with educational and nutritional programs.

Support for Victims of Violence

A key focus of the work is supporting survivors of gender-based violence. The foundation offers, among other things:

• psychosocial support,

• counseling services,

• support during court proceedings,

• referrals for legal assistance,

• support groups, and

• education regarding rights and protection options.

Accessing the legal system is a major hurdle for many victims. The Callas Foundation helps individuals understand court proceedings and provides emotional support during these distressing experiences. 

Community Kitchen Tackles Hunger and Insecurity

Another key project is the foundation’s community kitchen. In many parts of the Cape Flats, families struggle with high unemployment and food insecurity. According to the foundation, the community kitchen provides hot meals to several hundred families each week while simultaneously creating a safe social gathering place.

The organization emphasizes the link between poverty and violence: those who are economically dependent or socially isolated are more likely to find themselves in dangerous situations. Food security is therefore viewed as an element of protection and self-determination.

Prevention Work with Youth and Men

In addition to providing immediate aid, the foundation places a strong emphasis on prevention. Programs such as the "BBB Programme" (Building, Bonding, Beyond) target boys and young men, fostering non-violent conflict resolution, respect, and social responsibility. Human rights clubs in schools and men's groups are also part of the initiative.

This work is particularly important because it seeks not only to combat violence but also to address and change its root causes in the long term.

The Founder, Caroline Peters

The foundation is significantly shaped by its founder, Caroline Peters. She is a long-standing activist against gender-based violence in South Africa and has been advocating for the rights of women and survivors of sexual violence since the 1990s. According to the foundation, she has participated in discussions regarding the Domestic Violence Act and the Sexual Offences Bill, among other initiatives.

Peters combines activism with practical community work—an approach that has earned the organization a great deal of trust at the local level.

Why the Foundation’s Work Matters

South Africa remains one of the countries with particularly high rates of gender-based violence. Organizations like the Callas Foundation therefore take on roles that often extend far beyond traditional social work: they create safe spaces, strengthen communities, and give a voice to those affected.

In doing so, the Foundation demonstrates that social change often begins right within the communities themselves—driven by people willing to take responsibility and maintain a long-term local presence.

Further information about the organization is available on the official website of the Callas Foundation.