In Conversation With Tasneem (Guild Cottage Social Worker)

Loading player...
Located in Parktown West, Johannesburg, Guild Cottage is the only specialised residential treatment centre in Gauteng dedicated to girls aged 6–18 who have experienced extreme sexual and emotional abuse. Registered as a Child and Youth Care Centre, the organisation offers:
• Court-appointed residential care for up to 18 girls at any time
• Intensive therapy: psychotherapy, environmental therapy, and family intervention
• Individualised schooling support, including placement in suitable schools when needed
• A safe, nurturing, homestyle living environment where dignity, healing, and empowerment are prioritised
With roots dating back to 1907, Guild Cottage began as a home for orphaned children and has evolved into a leader in trauma recovery and child protection services in South Africa. The building itself is recognised as a heritage site by the City of Johannesburg

“Save Guild Cottage” – BackaBuddy Fundraising Campaign
Guild Cottage is actively fundraising through BackaBuddy to ensure they can continue their essential residential and therapeutic care:
• The campaign aims to raise approximately R100,000 to support ongoing operations of the facility.
• Funding goes directly toward day-to-day expenses including therapy, education costs, food, clothing, toiletries, linen, and other basics
• At any given moment, the facility serves up to 18 court-appointed girls who are survivors of severe abuse—each donation helps maintain their safety and emotional recovery
• Donors may receive a Section 18A tax certificate, offering tax relief while supporting vulnerable youths

Why It Matters
• Guild Cottage is the only facility in Gauteng that provides specialised residential care exclusively for sexually abused girls.
• The work they do utilizes internationally recognised best practices in trauma recovery, offering not only safety, but also long-term emotional and educational support
• Community and donor support ensures the continuation of this legacy service that’s been active for over 115 years.

How You Can Help
• Visit the BackaBuddy “Save Guild Cottage” campaign page to donate.
• Share the campaign with your network to boost visibility and support.
• Request a Section 18A certificate after donating for a tax deduction benefit.
• Spread the word via social media to help sustain this vital work.
6 Aug 2025 English South Africa Entertainment News · Music Interviews

Other recent episodes

In Conversation With Bongani Godide- Nal’ibali representative and March Organiser

As South Africa prepares to mark Child Protection Week, organisations across the country are renewing calls for communities to play a more active role in safeguarding children. While laws and government programmes are important, experts consistently stress that child protection begins in homes, schools, neighbourhoods and community spaces where children…
2 Jun 11 min

In Conversation With Steve Mabona- Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson

For many young South Africans, accessing healthcare is about more than just finding a clinic or hospital. It is also about finding a space where they feel heard, respected and understood. This is especially true for young people struggling with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma and stress…
2 Jun 8 min

In conversation With Zanele Sabela-COSATU

South Africans already battling rising living costs are now facing another financial challenge following the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points. The move has sparked criticism from labour federation Congress of South African Trade Unions, which argues that higher borrowing costs will…
2 Jun 12 min

In Conversation With Michael Waters MPL-DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for E-Gov

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng has raised concerns over the provincial government’s spending on its e-panic button programme, questioning whether technology is being prioritised over the basic resources needed for effective policing. According to information disclosed in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, the Gauteng government has already spent nearly R119 million…
2 Jun 9 min

In Conversation with Hendrick Makaneta – Education Activist

The future of the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) remains a major concern for thousands of students across South Africa. For years, the institution has faced allegations of governance failures, administrative inefficiencies, delayed payments, accommodation disputes, and ongoing leadership instability. Recently, Higher Education Minister Buti Manamela took the controversial…
2 Jun 7 min