Women’s Month celebrations end on a high note

Ending Women’s Month on a high note, a group of women called Women Safety Promoters hosted an informative celebration at Reiger Park Civic Centre on August 29.

The event attracted various women of all ages from Reiger Park and the surrounding areas.

The group of women, who are volunteering at the Reiger Park SAPS, worked hand in hand with the EMPD, CPF, community safety forum, Department of Correctional Services and the Reiger Park Crisis Centre to make the event a success.

Speakers spoke about services women should make use of, such as the Women Empowerment Crisis Centre, Victim Friendly room (based at the Reiger Park SAPS) and community safety programmes. Sibongile Khumalo from Tambo Memorial Hospital educated attendees about mental illnesses.

Leeuwkop Correctional Services inmates also attended the event to show appreciation to women, as well as to ask for forgiveness for their actions.

One of the inmates, Ayoob Toffie, who lived in Reiger Park before he was convicted, told attendees that being in Reiger Park after 17 years triggered many memories.

“I realised the damages I caused, the pain and hurt that I have caused,” said Toffie.

“Not only did I commit crimes in Reiger Park, but also outside the area. Most of the crimes were committed against women. The department has equipped me thoroughly over the 17 years that I’ve been in prison.

“In September I’ll be graduating for my 14th time since I’ve been in prison, so prison has become a fruitful ground where I could develop and find myself,” Toffie said.

He praised women for their strength and also asked forgiveness for the crimes he committed.

Another inmate, Musa Mpofu, who lived in Alexandra before being convicted, said: “While I was sitting here I realised that our victims are mostly women. I also realised that I’ve changed some other women in my life into victims of my crime and one of these women is my mother who has to travel to come and see me in prison. She has to live with stress and pain on a daily basis because of me.

“Secondly, when I was convicted I left my girlfriend who was a week pregnant and now my daughter is nine years old. The third woman affected by my actions is my daughter who I’ve never seen in these nine years. Since I’ve been in prison I’ve learned that women are important and priceless.”

After Mpofu’s speech, businesswoman and author Lungelo Ratlhahane presented Mpofu with her book titled Emotional Intelligence in School after being touched by Mpofu’s speech.

Leeuwkop Correctional Services choir members entertained attendees with their choreographed dance and music.

African Bank also gave away amazing prizes to four women at the event.

About 35 certificates were awarded to deserving volunteers who have gone beyond their line of work to make a difference in the community.