GRDM launches 16 Days of Activism Campaign in Themba

GEORGE NEWS - Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM), local municipalities and other role players on 23 November launched a joint campaign in Thembalethu to commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence (GBV).

Approximately 150 stakeholders and members of the community attended the event.

The programme, directed by Doc Skosana, a representative from the Department of Correctional Services, is aimed at encouraging a society that is free of violence and abuse.

The stakeholders attending the event are continuously engaged in interventions against GBV, such as sport events with specific focus on women and children as victims of GBV, women gala events and radio youth dialogues.

It is also the intention to paint murals at sport fields depicting essential telephone numbers to report GBV.

The event was coordinated by GRDM’s Nkosiyabo Lose (left) and directed by Doc Skosana, a representative from the Department of Correctional Services.

Night vigils and marches as well as information sessions at churches will be held.

Social worker at the Department of Correctional Services Witness Sefala explained her department’s Victim Offender Dialogue programme. It is an opportunity for victims to voice their trauma and restore their dignity.

The programme is voluntary and offenders are encouraged to take responsibility for their offences and admit they have committed the crime.

Vuyokazi Gcelushe, social worker at Ithemba Lobomi, said, "All of us need to run this race. It is not an individual fight; it is a fight for us all. Let us move away from normalising domestic violence, whether it is violence against a child or violence against a parent. Let’s not keep it to ourselves, let’s be a society that is curious, and stop saying, 'It’s not my problem."

All stakeholders at the event, such as the South African Police Service, the National Prosecuting Agency (Thuthuzela Care Centre situated at the George Hospital), the Department of Education and non-governmental organisations, as well as the municipalities present also signed the pledge of their support towards the campaign and in the fight against GBV.

Pastor Jackson Moyyikwa signing the pledge against GBV during the event.