With the recent end of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the City of Ekurhuleni announced plans to construct two women’s shelters in the city region.
The announcement was made by executive mayor Clr Mzwandile Masina at the final sitting of City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) council on November 28 at Germiston Council Chambers.
It forms part of CoE’s initiative to assist women, children and youth in need.
“Gender-based violence (GBV) is a challenge to which our country must urgently intervene,” said Masina.
He said the city’s Department of Social Development will be in the centre of addressing the matter.
Masina highlighted that second-stage women’s shelters will be constructed in Thokoza and in Tembisa.
At the centres, women can receive the shelter and support that they require.
“The City has collaborated with the Thuthuzela Care Centres in Ekurhuleni in response to prevention, ensuring adequate care, support and healing for victims of violence and strengthening the economic power of women,” explained Masina.
“The Women Directorate, working with the Department of Women, Youth and People with Disabilities in the Presidency, has started workshops on gender-responsive budgeting, planning, monitoring and evaluation.
“The purpose of this is to assist government institutions to build gender-responsive planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation systems and contribute to improving the country’s performance on gender equality, women’s emancipation and overall development goals.”
Furthermore, the CoE hopes to assist its younger residents in 2020 by promoting the development of early childhood development (ECD) centres.
Masina said the city has constructed three ECD centres in its region and is set to launch another in Vosloorus early 2020.
“The significance of ECD centres cannot be over-emphasised,” said Masina.
“The emotional, social and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adults who they will become.”
To combat the effects drugs have on the city’s youth, Masina said three community-based rehabilitation centres were established.
The centres in Palm Ridge, Alrapark and in Dukathole were established in partnership with the provincial department of the social development department.
“These centres cater for everyone, but have a targeted focus on the youth.”
In March, the City will launch Local Drug Action Committees within communities.
“These committees will be tasked with the difficult responsibility of raising awareness on drugs and substance abuse in our communities,” explained Masina.
