Abrina Esther House

Abrina Esther House was founded in 2001 with a clear mission: to be a safe haven for survivors of crime and violence in Pietermaritzburg — one of South Africa's top 10 GBV hotspot areas. Twenty-four years later, it remains the only facility of its kind in the area — and the only Department of Social Development-endorsed designated shelter for human trafficking victims in greater Pietermaritzburg. LifeLine, a local NGO that regularly refers women there, has described Abrina Esther House as "the best facility available to women in this area."

The shelter is run by director and social worker Nokuthula Mcunu, whose approach is direct and honest: Abrina Esther House admits up to 300 adults and their children per year across its two facilities — and turns many more away because there is no space. The need is overwhelming. Each person who does get in receives a genuinely holistic package of care — not just accommodation, but the support structures to rebuild a life.

What They Offer Survivors

Safe Residential Accommodation — Women and Men, Separate Facilities Abrina Esther House operates two residential facilities: - A women's facility with capacity for 35 women and their children - A men's facility with capacity for 9 men

Both welcome survivors of domestic violence, GBV, and human trafficking, regardless of background. Stays are for up to 6 months — with flexibility for individual circumstances. The shelter is DSD-endorsed as Pietermaritzburg's designated Human Trafficking survivor shelter.

Nutritious Meals — Critical HIV/AIDS Support Around 80% of residents are HIV-positive. Nutritious meals are not a luxury here — they are medically essential for antiretroviral medication to be effective. Residents' health workers have repeatedly noted the dramatic improvement in residents' physical wellbeing during their stay, directly attributed to food security and safety.

Compulsory Counselling and Psychological Support All residents receive compulsory counselling from trained staff, with access to a psychologist and medical advice. Counselling is not optional — because healing cannot happen without processing, and the shelter is designed to be a therapeutic environment, not merely a roof.

Skills Training — Computer Skills, Baking, Perfume Making, Beauty Practical, income-generating skills training equips residents for financial independence when they leave — addressing one of the root conditions that makes return to an abuser likely. The perfume making programme has an established social enterprise dimension, supported by the E3 Initiative, whose sustainability loan helped Abrina Esther House build its cake and perfume businesses into income streams that fund court transport, hospital visits, and community awareness activities.

Court and Hospital Support Profits from the social enterprises pay directly for transport to court and hospital visits — an often-overlooked practical barrier that prevents survivors from completing the legal process needed to protect themselves.

Community Awareness Abrina Esther House conducts community meetings to raise awareness about abuse, rights, and available resources — reaching beyond the shelter into the surrounding community.

Afterschool Club — 157 Orphaned and Vulnerable Children Twice a week, the shelter runs an afterschool club for 157 orphaned and vulnerable children from the surrounding community — providing nutritious meals, homework help, and a safe space. Most of these children live with elderly grandmothers who cannot help with schoolwork and struggle to provide enough food. The club aims to run every school day.

Abrina Esther House, Pietermaritzburg, KZN. Phone: 033 264 2063 or 033 345 5843. National Shelter Helpline: 0800 001 005 (toll-free, 24hr). For human trafficking referrals, Abrina Esther House is the DSD-endorsed Pietermaritzburg facility.