THOUSANDS of visitors will be flocking to the city during the festive season and eThekwini Municipality said they are ready.
eThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede, said the Festive Season Committee operational plan would be unveiled to showcase the city’s readiness to ensure residents and visitors enjoy a safe and enjoyable festive season.
Briefing members of the executive committee yesterday, Gumede said the Festive Season Committee (FESMAC) has put all the necessary plans in place.
She said the launch to unveil the city’s FESMAC 2016 operation plans will be held on 7 December in Umlazi.
“The launch will showcase our readiness as a city for the festive season. There are 3.7 million people who depend on us and we must ensure we continue with our service delivery programmes,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gumede said the city supports the national 16 Days of Activism campaign for no violence against women and children.
“I invite everyone to be part of activities during the 16 day campaign. However, we cannot wait for this campaign, we must make sure we have ongoing campaigns throughout the year to assist vulnerable women and children in our communities,” Gumede added.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign is held annually from 25 November to 10 December. The theme for this year’s campaign is Count me in: together moving a non-violent South Africa forward.
Gumede mentioned a disturbing case that was reported to her office about a 10 year-old girl who had been raped by her father while her mother was at work.
“The father was arrested, but sent a message to the girl that he was coming back after his time in prison. We need to love our women and children and give them support 365 days a year. We must also protect men who are victims of abuse,” Gumede added.
A number of events have been hosted in the city since the beginning of the campaign to educate the public and ensure that residents move towards a violence-free society.
