Where does the money go? Women For Change faces renewed questions over finances

Women For Change (WFC) is facing renewed online scrutiny as questions arise about the organisation's financial transparency and programme delivery. The group, which advocates against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), previously organised a national shutdown in November 2025 that garnered over 850,000 signatures. Content creator Brown Rodrigues has recently revisited her concerns about WFC, which she initially raised in 2025, after new financial statements were released.

Rodrigues claims that her previous questions were dismissed, stating that she was told she could receive a refund for her donation. She also alleges that the organisation is capitalising on current GBV cases to gain momentum, suggesting that its following grew significantly following coverage of the Kempton Park murders. Rodrigues questions the accuracy of WFC's financial reporting, pointing out a discrepancy between funds shown on its BackaBuddy crowdfunding page and its 2025 financial statements.

She alleges that staff salaries increased significantly in 2025, from R19,050 to R138,544, while questioning the allocation of funds to victim support.

Rodrigues further claims that the organisation's survivor support line is not operational 24/7 as advertised, noting that it is only available on weekdays. She also questions when WFC hosts educational programmes, provides legal assistance for survivors, conducts community outreach, and holds GBV workshops. The discussion has since expanded, with other TikTok creators referencing Rodrigues' video and questioning the organisation's ability to assist women on the ground.

One user, Sihle, expressed frustration, saying they "hated them" after WFC denied posting about a child from Lesotho because she was not South African.

WFC has faced public criticism before, with content creator Blaine Fortuin, known as Tattooed Papi, raising similar questions on social media. WFC subsequently filed multiple defamation claims against Fortuin for publishing unsubstantiated statements. In response to the allegations, WFC's spokesperson, Walter, denied claims that the organisation was not registered and that it profited from donations, stating that spreading misinformation against an organisation fighting for women's lives is not activism and harms survivors.

However, IOL has not responded to requests for comment regarding the renewed questions about WFC's financial accountability and programme delivery.