GEORGE NEWS - Gender-based violence and violence among people living on the streets formed the focus of the George Municipality's 16 Days of Activism awareness event held last week at the George Museum's auditorium.
Keynote speaker Sean Snyman, Portfolio Councillor for Community and Social Development Services, said every day should be a day of no violence - not just the 16 days. During the event attendees lit candles in remembrance of those who lost their lives due to gender-based violence.
The event was hosted in conjunction with different stakeholders including the Department of Health, the police, Sanca, the Department of Social Services, Cremhog, Hope Church, and Jaicoas.
Lt-Col Elmarie van der Westhysen, the motivational speaker, encouraged people to report gender-based violence at their nearest police station. She headed a question-and-answer session to inform people of their rights.
A self-defence class by Jani Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen and Francois van der Merwe of Greystorm Tactical security company showed the women some basic techniques, keeping in mind that the best self-defence is to get away from the danger or perpetrator.
Members of the Patria Church introduced their programme Men of Honour, which teaches men how to deal with life situations and manage their emotions.
The People Living on the Street (Plots) committee. From left are Mzoli Mavimbela, Loretta Roelfse, Merle Swart, Errol Jaftha, Hayzel Faro, Lt-Col Elmarie van der Westhysen, Cllr Erica Brown, Alta Gardener, Cllr Sean Snyman, Cllr Elizabeth Stroebel, Capt Louis Boshoff, Estelle Botha Fredericks, Geraldo Potts and Julie Stoffels.
Jani Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen and Francois van der Merwe of Greystorm Tactical security company demonstrate self-defence techniques.
Portfolio Councillor for Community and Social Development Services Sean Snyman: "Every day should be a day of no violence."
Lt-Col Elmarie van der Westhysen of the police speaks to the attendees about their human rights and the law.
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