DEPARTMENT TAKES 16 DAYS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN TO HAMMANSKRAAL HOTSPOT

By Sipho Ncube

• The Gauteng Department of Social Development has reached out to the communities of Hammanskraal to find ways of confronting the alarming levels of violence directed at women and children.
• The department was joined by the South African Police Service at the busy Rebro Spar complex to raise awareness of gender-based violence.
• Such outreach programmes allow the department to engage directly with communities on the social ills affecting them and educate residents about the services available for victims of gender-based violence.

As part of the ongoing 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, together with the South African Police Service, extended its awareness campaign to the busy Renbro Spar complex in Hammanskraal, to the north of the City of Tshwane.

The outreach, targeting commuters and shoppers, aims to unite government, civil society, and communities in confronting the alarming levels of violence directed at women and children.

Running from 25 November to 10 December, the annual campaign shines a spotlight on the urgent need for collective action.

Speaking on the sidelines of the activation, social work supervisor Molefe Mogotsi said Hammanskraal and surrounding areas were prioritised due to the high number of abuse cases reported at the local magistrate’s court.

“Women here continue to fall victim to femicide, rape, sexual assault and other violations.

“This outreach gives the department and SAPS a platform to engage directly with community members on the social ills affecting them,” Mogotsi said.

“Social workers also use this opportunity to educate residents about the services available for victims of gender-based violence,” Mogotsi added.

This year’s campaign theme, “Letsema: Men, women, boys and girls working together to end gender-based violence and femicide”, emphasises the important role men and boys must play in challenging harmful behaviours and taking a stand against violence, he said.

The national Department of Social Development social work supervisor, Pheladi Mamaila, reminded the public that the Gender-based Violence Command Centre operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, offering support to victims and anyone seeking assistance.

The centre can be reached on 0800 428 428.