As the nation observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the ANC caucus in Ekurhuleni is encouraged by the assurances made by the executive mayor of Ekurhuleni Clr Mzwandile Masina as he addressed the challenges faced by our communities in Ekurhuleni and the country.
Masina announced various interventions to fight gender-based violence at the recent ordinary council meeting at the Germiston Council Chambers.
“This annual campaign, which began on November 25, provides us with an opportunity to deeply reflect on these heinous crimes being committed against women and children,” said ANC chief whip Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi.
“We must ensure that each of us are activists working to combat this beyond the 16 Days of Activism.
“We must extend our activism to fight against all social ills.
“Gender-based violence is a challenge to which our country must urgently intervene.”
The ANC caucus welcomed the interventions by social development in addressing this scourge in Ekurhuleni.
As such, the metro is constructing a second-stage women’s shelter in Thokoza and another one in Tembisa.
These are centres where abused women can receive the shelter and support that they require.
“We are encouraged that under this administration, issues of women, children and people with disabilities are a priority,” said Dlabathi.
The metro has collaborated with Thuthuzela Care Centres in Ekurhuleni with regard to prevention and ensuring adequate care, support and healing for victims of violence, as well as strengthening the economic power of women.
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“Our commitment to the development of children as a City is demonstrated in our social development work.
“The City of Ekurhuleni has constructed three early childhood development (ECD) centres.
“In May this year, we launched an ECD centre in Tsakane and will be launching another in Vosloorus early next year,” Dlabathi said.
He added that the significance of ECD centres cannot be over-emphasised.
“The emotional, social and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adults that they will become,” he said.
The metro is also continuing to invest significantly in alleviating the scourge of drug addiction and substance abuse to which the youth in particular have fallen victim.
In partnership with the Gauteng social development department, the metro has established three community-based rehabilitation centres in Palm Ridge, Alrapark and Dukathole.
These centres cater for everyone, but have a targeted focus on the youth.
“We are also encouraged by the aim to launch Local Drug Action Committees within our communities in March next year.
“We believe these committees working together with various community stakeholders will be seized with the responsibility of raising awareness about drugs and substance abuse in our communities, as well as engaging in other forms of advocacy work,” Dlabathi said.
International Day of People with Disabilities is observed annually on December 3.
“Our pro-poor agenda geared towards the development of the most vulnerable people as part of our Social Labour Plan is yielding results.
“We welcome the City’s progressive partnership with AfriSam to construct 20 houses for people with disabilities and youth-headed households,” said Dlabathi.
“Construction of these houses in Mackenzieville will commence in December.”
The ANC caucus applauded the executive mayor and his team on their efforts to extend the working hours of various clinics in order to accommodate more people in Ekurhuleni.
“The status of ‘Ideal Clinic’ conferred on our public clinics is a huge confidence booster.
“This means that our clinics are not only achieving the clinic’s six imperatives, but have excelled in executing them,” Dlabathi said.
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