16 Days of Activism launched in Krugersdorp
A large group of our community's finest took to the streets recently and walked 5km to show their support for 16 Days of Activism.
Every year and just before many break for the festive season, we are reminded of the ongoing fight for women and children to be safe. As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the police, councillors and other stakeholders took to the streets recently in a bid to create awareness surrounding this very serious matter.
According to police spokesperson Captain Solomon Sibiya, the Krugersdorp Police Station Commander, Brigadier Happy Xaba was part of the team that led the march. He was accompanied by the Visible Policing Commander, social crime co-ordinators, Victim Empowerment officials, the gender-based violence (GBV) brigade and crime prevention members. The march took place throughout the Krugersdorp CBD and started at Westcol.
The 5.1km march was supported by local CPF and councillors including Mark Trump, the Department of Gauteng Community Safety, the Department of Social Development and community patrollers.
The march ended at the Burgershoop Community Hall where the children were entertained.
“It is us men, who always bring sorrow to a women’s life. Every time a man has no answer to his woman’s demanding question, he resorts to violence,” Xaba said during his keynote address.
Social workers also spoke about several social challenges affecting relationships which could then lead to domestic violence.
#Keready says stop to GBV during 16 Days of Activism
As the 16 Days of Activism unfolds, Keready extends and seeks to partner with individuals, communities, and like-minded organisations who share the urgency to address challenges associated with GBV. By nurturing awareness, implementing impactful interventions, and championing a culture of equality, Keready aims to act as a catalyst for positive change throughout this campaign.
This commitment is evident not only through the presence of their mobile clinics on the ground but also in their weekly community radio chats and across their social media platforms, including @kereadysa, and their 24/7 WhatsApp line on 060 019 0000.
Dr Dineo Sefoloko, a passionate young doctor overseeing mobile clinics, emphasised the significance of prioritising love, happiness, health and safety.
She remarked, “South Africa has one of the highest rates of GBV in the world. Let’s unite to halt violence, curb the spread of disease, and eliminate any behaviour that poses harm to ourselves or others. It’s crucial to reflect on what truly matters – our health and wellness.”
Keready can do this through community events, and social media campaigns, as well as providing direct support for GBV victims.
With its 46 mobile clinics, run by teams consisting of nurses, drivers, mobilisers, and communicators and led by 10 young doctors, Keready is actively engaging throughout the year in educational initiatives designed to equip young minds with the knowledge and awareness necessary to identify, prevent, and combat gender-based violence.
“We wish to get to the root causes of GBV with ambitious intentions to create awareness and behavioural change interventions towards a safer community for all. By being in the communities with our mobile clinics every day, we are often the first point of contact to come across these cases and we want to play an important role in referring people,” said Dr James Menyah-Artivor, overseeing mobile clinics in Gauteng.
