VIDEO: Breaking the silence in Sivewright
The message of the march was loud and clear: Let's break the silence against abuse.
The community stood proud as they marched along the streets of Krugersdorp CBD as part of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
Children between the ages of three and 15 years joined the march along with members of the Mogale City Traffic Department, The Teddy Bear Clinic, Lifeline West Rand and the Krugersdorp Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit.
Hand in hand children and members of the community marched from the meeting point in Von Brandis Street towards Luipaard Street, then along Krugersdorp’s drug and prostitution hub Sivewright Street, finally finishing in Commissioner Street and back to the meeting point.
“Enough is enough,” was the message announced over a loudspeaker as officials led the marchers safely through the streets.
Emotions ran high as the marchers walked down Sivewright Street where sex workers were seen running into buildings to hide.
The news witnessed a pregnant woman, who is believed to be a sex worker, immediately covering her face as the group passed the so-called hangout corner.
“We are tired of women, child and drug abuse. Break your silence and stand up against abuse,” were some of the words chanted by marchers.
Residents came out of their houses to see what the commotion was all about as the marchers handed out various anti-abuse and Lifeline pamphlets.
Suspicious-looking foreigners stood on street corners as the group of marchers spread the word of activism.
The children continued to sing praise songs from the top of their voices as they carried various anti-abuse posters while marching fearlessly down the street.
In Magaliesburg the police together with various stakeholders visited the Ga Mohale informal settlement to speak specifically to the elderly who are experiencing abuse from their children.
Magaliesburg Police spokesperson Constable Phithi informed the elderly to report crime and to support each other, not only during the 16 Days campaign but also in their everyday lives. They told them if they were victims of abuse to make use of the services the police provides through their Victim Empowerment Centre.
To view more photos of the march, click here.
Related article:
• What 16 Days of activism should mean for you
