Open Disclosure Foundation Soweto

About Open Disclosure Foundation

Open Disclosure Foundation (opendisclosure.org.za) is a registered South African NPO whose mission is to empower women against gender-based violence and help every woman recognise her own value and strength. The organisation operates two offices — one in Orlando East, Soweto (Johannesburg), and a second in Soshanguve (Tshwane) — serving two of Gauteng's most populous and underserved communities.

The organisation's tagline captures its philosophy: "We work towards ensuring a life free from fear and victimisation for every woman." Their approach combines direct psychosocial support with community-level prevention and education, recognising that changing entrenched GBV patterns requires both survivor support and community transformation.

Services – Soweto Office (Orlando East)

The Johannesburg/Soweto office at 6503 Mooki Street, Orlando East specifically delivers:

• Individual counselling — confidential one-on-one sessions for women and girls affected by GBV, trauma, or relationship abuse.
• Group counselling — structured support groups allowing survivors to share experiences, build peer support, and access psychoeducation in a safe environment.
• GBV education in schools — presentations to learners educating them about gender-based violence, consent, healthy relationships, and where to seek help — a prevention-focused approach targeting young people before harmful patterns become entrenched.
• Clinic presentations — community health setting outreach to educate patients and health workers about GBV resources and recognition.
• Early prevention programmes — community-level early intervention targeting at-risk individuals and families.
• Referrals to treatment centres — for individuals with severe substance abuse challenges, the organisation facilitates referrals to appropriate rehabilitation services, recognising the strong link between addiction and GBV.
• Public awareness campaigns — community events and media campaigns challenging attitudes that enable GBV.

Services – Tshwane Office (Soshanguve)

The Tshwane/Soshanguve office offers an overlapping but locally adapted set of services including individual and group counselling, substance abuse prevention campaigns, the KE-MOJA anti-drug programme, and public awareness campaigns.

Community Significance

Orlando East is one of Soweto's oldest and most historically significant townships. Open Disclosure Foundation's presence on Mooki Street — the same road that was home to Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu — places it at the heart of a densely populated urban community where access to GBV support services remains critically limited relative to need.