GEORGE NEWS - Community organisation Phakamani Makhosikazi (PM) celebrated its second anniversary on Friday 9 May, marking two years of standing alongside victims of abuse and violence in the Garden Route.
The organisation was founded on 14 May 2024 by Colonel Masakhala and Ntombi James by a small group of women in Thembalethu.
Since then, it has grown into a large community-driven support network known for quietly supporting victims in courtrooms while dressed in black.
PM stands against all forms of abuse, including rape, gender-based violence, murder, child abuse and domestic violence. The organisation encourages people from all races, religions and political backgrounds to become involved in supporting vulnerable members of the community.
One of the members, Maureen Whites, shared how the organisation had helped her during one of the most difficult periods of her life. PM supported her throughout her daughter's rape case in 2024 and stood by her during the court appearances.
She said the support she received from the group gave her the strength to continue. "If it weren't for PM being there for me during my daughter's rape case, I wouldn't have made it," she said.
After experiencing this support first-hand, Whites also became a member of the organisation.
Today, PM continues to provide emotional support and solidarity to victims and families across George and the Garden Route, and its members are determined to ensure that no victim has to face trauma and court proceedings alone.
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