Ihata Shelter

About Ihata Shelter

Ihata Shelter (part of the Ihata Care Group) is a registered NPO based in Heideveld, Cape Town, on the Cape Flats. Founded in February 2006, Ihata has since assisted, clothed, counselled, empowered, and sheltered more than a thousand residents, and provided counselling to countless outside clients who seek help with domestic abuse and violence situations without requiring accommodation.

The name "Ihata" (إحاطة) is an Arabic word meaning "to encompass/surround," reflecting the shelter's holistic approach: surrounding women with support, care, education, and opportunity.

Who They Serve

Ihata mainly serves the local disadvantaged female community of the Cape Flats — women who are often poor, uneducated, and sometimes illiterate. They welcome women and their children regardless of cultural or religious background. The shelter's philosophy explicitly respects the courage, dignity, and honour of residents.

Services

Emergency Shelter — the facility in Heideveld accommodates approximately 25 women and their children in a residential shelter environment, providing a secure, home-like refuge from violence.

Counselling and Psychosocial Support — both residential clients (shelter residents) and outside clients (community members not residing in the shelter) can access counselling for domestic violence, trauma, and abuse. This walk-in access for non-residents significantly extends the shelter's community reach.

Education and Empowerment Programmes — on-site programmes educate and inspire residents, building the skills, confidence, and knowledge needed to rebuild independent lives. These include life skills, literacy support, and practical vocational skills.

AGEM Youth Academy — an innovative youth programme co-located at the Ihata shelter, targeting at-risk youth in the neighbouring Heideveld and surrounding communities, providing education, mentorship, and safe spaces for young people outside the shelter.

Beitun Nur — a separate Ihata Care Group home in Schaapkraal for young girls suffering from GBV, providing residential care and healing for this particularly vulnerable population.