Midrand community organisation Mbokodo organised a march on 25 June in support of the national campaign against women abuse, Break the Silence.
The march started at Midday Mews in Vorna Valley and ended at Country View’s local Engen garage, which is about 4.5km away. At the end of the march, there was an address by the Gauteng Community Safety MEC, Sizakele Nkosi-Malobane and a performance by the World of Martial Arts among other speakers and activities on the day.
The event and march were also attended by local Ward 112 councillor Madeleine Hicklin, who is strongly against women abuse. Various political groups also came together in support of the march such as the Economic Freedom Fighters, Democratic Alliance and African National Congress.
Mbokodo’s Mvelo Msimang, the convener of the event, thanked the various organisations that sponsored the march.
They are as follows:
- Gauteng Department of Community Safety
- World of Martial Arts
- County View Engen Garage
- Ria Sebetsa
- Tlou IT
- Kamo Group
- Limcrew
- Khoza Attorneys
- Ngobese and Associates Financial Services
- Zanuxolo Koyana
- Percy Magongwa
- The Tobacco House Carlswald
- Sukky’s Bakery
- Midrand Economic Empowerment Forum.
The Midrand Police Station and Metro police were present and ensured the safety of all those participating in the march.
Midrand police spokesperson Sergeant Matome Tlamela said there have been high numbers of women abuse cases in the country, therefore, such initiatives might give other women the courage to speak out against women abuse and their own domestic problems, as well as report perpetrators.
What impact do marches have on victims of abuse as well as perpetrators? Tweet us @MidrandReporter