CWDM encourages unity against femicide.
To launch the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, the Cape Winelands District Municipality (CWDM) engaged with various partners on Friday, 25 November 2021 in Klapmuts, Stellenbosch.
While the world moves on from the Covid-19 pandemic, South Africa is still battling its other pandemic, namely gender-based violence (GBV). The annual 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December to place emphasis on this pandemic, even though we need to stay committed to the fight for 365 days of the year.
Although there are people and organisations committed to this fight, it is a fight we must all get involved in. GBV is a complex problem and to help victims speak up and strengthen prevention, our communities need to stand in solidarity against it.
The CWDM partnered with organisations such as Stellenbosch Municipality, the National Prosecuting Authority’s Thuthuzela Centre, SAPS and Community Cohesion, a community organisation, to bring together vulnerable community members they work with in the Klapmuts community. The goal was to move from awareness about abuse and violence in the community to collective action.
To make sure that those present knew where and how to access help, the CWDM and partners had all relevant information at hand and officials were available to have one-on-one discussions. Brave survivors told their stories to show that there is life away from an abusive situation and in the hope of encouraging victims to come forward and ask for help.
Furthermore, a self-defence demonstration by Patrick Ross, Magistrate of Paarl’s Regional Court who also runs the Patrick Ross Karate Academy in Paarl, showed the community members some skills to protect themselves or others against abuse. The hope is that these simple protection skills will boost confidence and strengthen mental health.
Councillor Minnie Petersen, portfolio holder for Rural and Social Development, encouraged the attendees with these words: “Everyone is entitled to a safe and secure environment. Let us try to make our Constitution a living document. It is the responsibility of each one of us to ensure that we build a better and safer South Africa.”
It is well known that a great number of GBV cases are not reported. The CWDM wants to assure our citizens that victimisation and suffering need not continue. Help is available. There are organisations and people determined to help you become a survivor. All you need to do is ask for help.
The CWDM opposes all forms of gender-based violence and makes its stance on this issue abundantly clear. Together with our partners and the community, we will herald a new era of awareness and the rejection of all gender-based violence in society.
Don’t keep quiet. Report it!
Western Cape Women’s Shelter Movement: 082 903 8739 Gender-based Violence Command Centre: 0800 428 428 Police: 10111 Childline: 0861 322 322 South African National Human Trafficking hotline: 0800 222 777 Provincial Department of Social Development: 021 483 5045 National Department of Social Development tollfree line: 0800 220 250 Provincial Department of Social Development – Cape Winelands regional office: 023 348 5300 GBVCC: Call 0800 428 428. Send a “please call me” to 120*7867#; Skype: “Helpme GBV”; SMS “Help” to 315131. TCC – Worcester Hospital: 023 348 1294 A complete list of contact details for victims of crime and violence is available at www.westerncape.gov.za/social-development You can also contact your nearest court, clinic, or hospital. |
Neem aksie teen geweld
Die jaarlikse 16 Dae van Aktivisme-veldtog wat van 25 November tot 10 Desember loop, beklemtoon die lot van duisende vroue en kinders wat ’n gewelddadige lewe ly. Ons stryd teen die geweld moet egter 365 dae van die jaar gestry word. Dit is ’n komplekse probleem en om slagoffers te help praat en voorkoming te versterk, moet ons gemeenskappe in solidariteit daarteen staan. Dit is bekend dat talle GBV-gevalle nooit aangemeld word nie. Die KWDM wil inwoners verseker dat daar ’n einde aan viktimisasie en lyding kan wees. Al wat jy moet doen, is om hulp te vra.
Thabatha amanyathelo ukulwa ubundlobongela
Iphulo lonyaka rhoqo leentsuku ezili-16 lokuThatha amaNyathelo (16 Days of Activism) eliqala ngowama-25 kuNovemba ukuya kowe-10 kuDisemba ligqamisa intlungu yamawaka-waka abantu ababhinqileyo kwakunye nabantwana, abangcungcutheka bubomi bobundlobongela. Imfazwe yokulwa ubundlobongela kumele iliwe iintsuku ezingama-365 zonyaka. Le yingxaki entsokothileyo yaye ukunceda amaxhoba ukuze aphalaze konke kwanokomeleza ukunqanda oku, uluntu lwethu kumele lume luxhathise kunye ukulwa oku. Yinto eyaziwayo ukuba isininzi samatyala obuNdlobongela obuSingise kwiSini akasiwa ngaphambili. ICWDM ifuna ukubaqinisekisa abemi ukuba oku kuphathwa kakubi nokungcungcuthekiswa makuphele. Kuuphela omele kukukwenza kukufuna uncedo.
