This past Sunday, June 19, an event hosted by the non-profit organisation (NPO) Imbokodo was held at the Luipaardsvlei Park on Edward Street in Luipaardsvlei.
Imbokodo, which is a Zulu word meaning ‘rock’ (as is often used in the phrase ‘if you strike a woman you strike a rock’), is an NPO that aims to educate communities about gender-based violence (GBV). More than 60 community members braved the winter morning to attend alongside other stakeholders such as the Krugersdorp police and the local informal neighbourhood watch.
The meeting was opened by the chairperson of the neighbourhood watch, Pastor Corrie Havenga after which Constable Trevor Msimanga of the Krugersdorp police spoke to the crowd. Msimanga related some shocking facts about GBV and said the biggest mistake women made was to stay with their abusive partners.
You will leave him when you go to your grave,” the constable sternly warned.
Founding member of Imbokodo and local resident Patricia Bantom educated the attendees on the different types of abuse.
The event was concluded with pepper spray canisters being handed out.
