Information, tools, and updates to raise awareness, support healing, and strengthen communities.
Stay up to date with the work of On Eagles' Wings - community events, programme milestones, awareness campaigns, and stories of impact from across the Kouga region.
In 2020, On Eagles' Wings answered the call when the Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm contracted the team to manufacture 5,000 COVID-19 protective masks. The masks were distributed to 20 early childhood development centres and 14 primary schools - protecting thousands of children and educators while creating meaningful income for the OEW team.
After fourteen years in Pellsrus, On Eagles' Wings relocated to Shop 9, Aspen Building, 18 Jeffrey Street - moving to a more accessible location in the heart of Jeffreys Bay. "We made the move to reach a wider range of people," said founder Pastor Mercy Cwayi.
On Eagles' Wings was named as a beneficiary of the 2022 SPAR Women's Challenge Grand Prix Series, receiving a R50,000 donation - part of SPAR Eastern Cape's commitment to fighting gender-based violence and empowering women across the province.
Education is a powerful tool in the fight against GBV. Learn to recognise the signs and know how to help.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is any harmful act directed at a person because of their gender. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse - committed by intimate partners, family members, or others. In South Africa, GBV is recognised as a national crisis: as Pastor Mercy Cwayi has said, "In South Africa, gender-based violence is seen as a second pandemic, causing many families to be dysfunctional, which affects women and children the most." GBV affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders, but women and children bear the heaviest burden.
Abuse can be hard to recognise - especially when you are in the middle of it. Common signs include: a partner who controls your movements, money, or who you can see; physical violence or threats of violence; isolation from friends and family; constant criticism, humiliation, or being made to feel worthless; and pressure or coercion around sexual activity. Abuse is never the victim's fault. If any of these feel familiar, you do not have to face this alone - please reach out to On Eagles' Wings or one of the helplines on this page.
If you are concerned about someone, the most important thing you can do is listen without judgment and believe them. Let them know you are there for them, that you believe what they are telling you, and that the abuse is not their fault. Do not pressure them to leave or act before they are ready - leaving can be the most dangerous time, and they need to be in control of the decision. Encourage them to contact On Eagles' Wings or the National GBV Helpline (0800 428 428) when they feel safe to do so. You can also call on their behalf if they are not ready. If you believe they are in immediate danger, contact SAPS on 10111.
Your safety comes first. If you are in immediate danger: call SAPS on 10111 - if you cannot speak, leave the line open. Get to a safe place if you can: a neighbour, a public building, anywhere people are present. If you cannot leave, go to a room that locks and stay away from areas where there may be weapons. Call the National GBV Command Centre on 0800 428 428 - it is free, available 24/7, and completely confidential. You can also WhatsApp On Eagles' Wings on 083 641 8250 (Jeffreys Bay) or 074 730 9886 (Joubertina) if you are in the area and need help.
On Eagles' Wings offers a full range of support services - all free of charge and completely confidential. These include: immediate crisis counselling and trauma debriefing; individual and family counselling (covering GBV, domestic abuse, rape, substance abuse, bereavement, and HIV/AIDS support); safety planning and referral to legal assistance or shelter; community outreach across Jeffreys Bay, Joubertina, and the Kou-Kamma region; youth mentorship for girls and boys; women's empowerment and skills development (including the Thread & Thrive sewing programme); and GBV awareness education in schools and community settings. We are linked to the Department of Social Development and can assist with formal referrals. You can walk in during office hours (Mon-Fri 08:00-16:00) or contact us by phone or WhatsApp.
Your safety matters. The information below is intended to help you think through practical steps - whether you are in immediate danger or planning for a safer future. There is no right or wrong way to be safe. You know your situation best. Please review this with a counsellor if you are able to. If you need immediate help, call 0800 428 428 (free, 24/7) or SAPS on 10111. Content reviewed in consultation with trauma-informed counselling practice. See the Research Guide for review recommendations before final publication.
Note: Safety planning content on this page has been prepared by qualified counsellors at On Eagles' Wings. For personalised safety planning, please contact us directly.
The following resources are free to download and share. More resources will be added as they become available - check back regularly or contact us if you need something specific.
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