Positive AGM for iThemba

The iThemba Rape and Trauma Support Centres have reached 2 601 beneficiaries in casework and 17 388 beneficiaries through community outreach initiatives in the 2019/20 annual cycle.

This was revealed during their virtual AGM on October 29.

The organisation has eight Victim Empowerment Centres (VEC) based at Ekurhuleni police stations, the main office being in Western Extension, Benoni, and the other in Braamfontein at iKhaya Lethemba.

Chief social worker Nombuso Masinga said this is evident that the social workers, social auxiliary workers and victim supporters strived through the pandemic that had hit us worldwide.

“During this striving time when the country was on lockdown, our eight VEC centres remained fully operational in order to respond to the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV),” said Masinga.

“The pandemic affected our ability to reach greater heights because of certain restrictions in the regulations but this has given rise to a new normal which pushed us to move from the physical to digital.”

Masinga said iThemba had an opportunity to partner with Wits Career Counselling and Development Unit to reach students at higher institutions. It does not end here as other institutions have been approached to establish strong relations.

The treasurer, Anne Bernhardt, said the financial statements show a profit of R105 550 for the financial year.

During the AGM, board members were elected: Jacques van Heerden (chairperson), Ann Bernhardt (treasurer), Aarifa Ellemdeen (executive director -fund-raising) and Belinda Ellse (secretary).

The newly nominated members are Rene van Heerden (co-opted director), Tony Mthethwa (co-opted director marketing) and William Wilkinson (co-opted director).

Acting centre manager Shelley Bent said due to Covid-19, they had to re-think the ‘how’ of awareness campaigns.

Van Heerden said on behalf of the board of directors, he was pleased to deliver the 2019/20 annual chairperson’s report.

“To assess whether we stayed focused on our purpose we need to ask the questions that lie at the core of our existence, namely:

• Did we ensure victims of rape and GBV receive the sensitive psychosocial support they deserve?

• Did we fight the potential for abuse so the vulnerable and oppressed have a voice?”

The answers to these questions are captured in the reported statistics for the year.

Van Heerden mentioned they have used different platforms to inform the community at large on the devastating effects of GBV and the procedures to follow as victims or potential victims.

He added the newly established fund-raising committee had to find creative ways to build a strategy in a tough economy that was reportedly losing the battle against recessionary pressures.

“They have stayed positive and did not wilt under the targets set. This will remain a critical focus until we are able to move beyond survival into sustainability and growth,” he said.

“In the year ahead, we will overcome the complexities and uncertainties of the lockdown environment and stay focused on living our purpose to the absolute best of our ability.”

The centre will welcome any donations and funding.

For more information contact iThemba on 011 422 4107 or visit them at 119 Mowbray Avenue, Western Extension.

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