George TCC (Thuthuzela Care Centre)

About the George Thuthuzela Care Centre

The George TCC is a government-operated, 24-hour one-stop facility for survivors of rape, sexual assault, and gender-based violence. It is located at George Provincial Hospital, Corner of Davidson and Langenhoven Road, Heatherlands (Glen Barrie), George, 6529, in the Eden District Municipality, Western Cape.

George Provincial Hospital is the main regional hospital for the southern Cape / Garden Route, serving a large catchment area that includes George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Mossel Bay, and surrounding rural and farming communities of the Eden District. The George TCC is the only TCC in the Eden District, making it a critical resource for a geographically large and diverse region.

It is operated by the NPA's SOCA Unit in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Health and other government departments. The TCC coordinator confirmed in official documentation is Angelique Vezasie.

Address Note

The hospital is accessed off Davidson Road. The suburb is referred to as both "Glen Barrie" and "Heatherlands" in different sources — these are adjacent areas around the hospital. The confirmed NPA address is Corner Davidson and Langenhoven Road, Heatherlands, George 6529/6530.

Services Offered — What Happens When You Arrive

The George TCC is a one-stop facility led by the NPA's Sexual Offences and Community Affairs Unit in partnership with various departments, civil society, and donors, providing an integrated response to rape and GBV including prevention, response, and support.

The TCC model provides the most comprehensive pre-trial services for victims of gender-based violence — psychosocial, medical, and legal — all under one roof, with a victim-centred approach based on respect, comfort, restoring dignity, and ensuring justice.

At the George TCC:

1. Welcome and crisis support from a TCC Coordinator or Victim Assistant Officer immediately on arrival
2. Medical examination with your consent; nurse present throughout; clothing may be taken as forensic evidence
3. Bath or shower after the examination
4. Police statement taken at the TCC — you may open a case immediately or at a later stage
5. Counselling by a social worker or nurse
6. HIV PEP, STI treatment, emergency contraception prescribed and follow-up arranged
7. Long-term counselling referral before discharge
8. Transportation or safe accommodation arranged if needed
9. Specialist TCC State Advocate guides your case through PGI from reporting through to conviction
10. Court preparation if the case proceeds to trial
11. Ongoing case updates via the Victim Assistant Officer

Child-Friendly Services

TCCs are equipped with child-friendly furniture, two-way mirrors, closed-circuit TV, and educational materials to support child victims and witnesses safely.

Additional Outreach

The George TCC also conducts awareness programmes including information sessions at schools, GBV awareness campaigns, youth day activities, elderly abuse awareness, and 16 Days of Activism marches in the George and Eden District community.

How to Access the Centre

• Go directly to George Provincial Hospital, Davidson Road, Heatherlands, George, and ask for the Thuthuzela Care Centre
• Report to any Eden District police station and ask to be transported to the George TCC
• Emergency services can transport you
• All services are entirely free of charge

Who They Serve

Any person (woman, man, girl, or boy) who has been raped or sexually assaulted — including survivors of domestic violence, trafficking, and other GBV in George, Oudtshoorn, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Wilderness, and the broader Eden District. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Operated By

NPA SOCA Unit, in partnership with: - Western Cape Department of Health (George Provincial Hospital) - SAPS Eden - Department of Social Development - Department of Justice

NPA Western Cape Cluster Managers

Adv. Lizelle Africa — 021 487 7390 Adv. Mark Kenny — 021 487 7029 Mr. Garry Titus — 021 487 7287