TWELVE Democratic Alliance councillors in eThekwini launched the “Safe Spaces” project this month after receiving training on how to deal with LGBT+ issues in their communities.
The project aims to provide spaces where members of the LGBT+ community can take their service delivery issues and feel safe at the same time. In addition to this, the councillors have been trained to deal with sensitive issues involving hate crimes or discrimination.
The project was launched by DA leader in eThekwini Councillor Nicole Graham and the leader of the LGBT+ movement in KZN Councillor Caelee Laing. Graham mentioned the on going work that is being done to ensure the LGBT+ community is represented and that its concerns are heard. Future plans include assessing clinics on their ability to provide PREP treatment.
ALSO READ: DA welcomes ruling against racist official
Speaking at the meeting, Councillor Martin Meyer said the initiative had been in the pipeline for a few months. “The Safe Spaces initiative is our way of assisting the LGBT+ community to get the help that they need. We will not be counselling these residents but we are there to listen, to provide a safe space and to direct them to the NGOs that can assist.”
The project will soon be rolled out in the rest of the province including rural areas and townships by the DAs Premier Candidate in KZN Zwakele Mncwango.
The newly opened offices can be found at:
Councillor Mmabatho Tembe: 175 Helen Joseph Rd (Stella Sports Club), Glenwood. Contact 078 640 6362.
Councillor Chris Pappas: Office 2, 4 South Road, Overport. Contact 081 017 6622.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 060 532 5535.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Berea Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts
