Organisation aims to resolve social ills at Makause Informal Settlement

Action for Conflict Transformation, which aims to increase public awareness of social topics like violence and health, hosted the Kagisano programme at Makause Informal Settlement.

Various participating stakeholders attended.

The involvement of multiple stakeholders in the event created a multifaceted approach.

The Primrose Youth Desk, the SAPS, Bertha Gxowa Hospital Care Centre, Crime Wardens, and the Department of Health were among those in attendance.

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The teams, divided into four, walked the streets of Makause, disseminating information pamphlets and collecting data from residents.

Chipo Marunda, the Kagisano programme co-ordinator, said they used the opportunity to survey the community.

“With the data gathered, we will be able to collaborate with the Makause residents to build a community wall featuring murals depicting the community’s vision,” said Marunda.

“We have collaborated with the community for some time, and the mural will serve as a source of inspiration for the locals.

“People had the chance to fill out some forms as an exercise to collect that useful data. They wrote out their vision for the community in the years ahead.”

Marunda said Kagisano is a social cohesiveness programme that provides people with valuable information on crime prevention, violence, domestic abuse, and GBV.

“We have observed that high rates of unemployment, criminal activity, and drug and alcohol misuse are prevalent in all the locations where we operate. Teenage pregnancies and GBV even affect primary schools.

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“We are collaborating with the residents of these areas to identify solutions that meet their needs. The individuals in those areas can change the violence and difficulties there for the better,” said Marunda.

According to Hazel Moagi, the co-ordinator of the Bertha Gxowa Hospital Care Centre, sexual assault survivors can receive information on post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).

“PEP is the treatment provided to victims of sexual assault, abuse, and rape to lower their risk of HIV/STIs and unintended pregnancy,” said Moagi.

“We handle all types of abuse, including verbal, financial, sexual, emotional, and physical assault.

“Rape is an act of power by one person against another who is more defenceless. Power can come from knowledge, wealth, or violence,” said Moagi.

“We instruct patients on various PEP kinds.”

• The ARV PEP, which prevents HIV, should be taken for 28 days, starting 72 hours after the incident.

• It is recommended to take an emergency tablet to prevent unintended births within 120 hours of the incident.

• The emergency pill that prevents unwanted pregnancies should be taken within 120 hours of the incident.

• Prevent sexually transmitted infections (STI) – no time frame.

• Hepatitis B vaccine to prevent hepatitis infection should be injected within 14 days of the incident.