21 Years of Dedication at Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust

When Nazma Hendricks walked into Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust in 2004 as a newly appointed Counselling Coordinator, she had just completed her internship at the Student Counselling Centre at the University of the Western Cape. She didn’t yet know the full reach or structure of the organisation, but she immediately recognised the urgency of the work, and the heart behind it.

“From the very beginning, I was struck by the passion of the volunteers. Watching them grow and dedicate themselves to survivors showed me the true spirit of this organisation,” Nazma reflects.

Managing volunteers and supporting survivors, Nazma quickly discovered what makes Rape Crisis unique: its people. What inspired her then still drives her today — the opportunity to witness individuals find their voice, step into leadership, and create meaningful change. “Seeing both staff and survivors discover their strength and step into their own power has been the most meaningful part of my journey,” she says.

By 2009, Nazma had taken on the role of Operations Manager. For over a decade, she worked to strengthen and restructure Rape Crisis, building systems that allowed the organisation to better respond to survivors’ needs. “That period taught me so much about leadership. I had been on the ground as a Counselling Coordinator, so I understood how every part of the organisation fit together. My focus was always on building structures that would allow us to serve survivors better,” she explains.

In 2021, she stepped into the role of Director — a milestone that came with immense responsibility, but also with the encouragement of her family. “Becoming Director was a proud and humbling moment. I knew the responsibility was enormous, but I also knew this was where I was meant to be — continuing the fight for survivors at the highest level.”

Over her 21 years, Nazma has witnessed profound shifts in the fight against sexual violence in South Africa. She remembers a time when many survivors harmed by people they knew rarely reported their cases. Today, more survivors are speaking out, demanding justice, and breaking the silence. She has also seen Rape Crisis expand its reach through our work at the Thuthuzela Care Centres we support, court support services, and advocacy that helped shape national legislation such as the Sexual Offences Act. “One of the biggest changes I’ve seen is survivors using their voices more boldly — refusing to be silent. That shift gives me hope for a future where justice is no longer out of reach,” she shares.

At the center of her leadership is a survivor-centered approach — listening first, respecting choices, and ensuring that dignity and agency are never compromised. These values, Nazma notes, are woven into every aspect of Rape Crisis’s work, from counselling and advocacy to community education and systemic reform.

Carrying the emotional weight of this work has required intention and resilience. “This work is heavy, but I’ve learned that looking after myself is not selfish — it’s necessary if I want to continue showing up for survivors,” she says. Her balance comes from family support, clear boundaries, and a deep commitment to self-care.

For younger women and activists entering the field, her message is one of courage and collective action: “Use your voice and create space for others to do the same. Change begins when voices are heard and communities act with compassion and bravery.”

After more than two decades, what continues to inspire Nazma are the people — survivors who show courage every day, volunteers who give their time and energy, and staff who dedicate themselves to building a safer, more just future. “It’s the people who keep me going. Their courage, their resilience, their passion — that’s what reminds me every day why this work matters,” she says. 

Nazma’s story is a reminder that lasting change doesn’t happen overnight. It is built steadily — through commitment, compassion, and the collective power of many voices. For 21 years, she has been part of that journey, shaping Rape Crisis into the organisation it is today. Thank you, Nazma, for your unwavering dedication and leadership — and for showing us that a safer, more just future is possible when we refuse to give up.