The first edition of the 2,5km Vodacom Walk for Good for No Violence Against Women and Children took place at the Vodacom head office in Midrand and was aimed to raise awareness around abuse.
The walk was held on 1 December in support of the 16 Days of Activism against women and child abuse and was sponsored by Vodacom Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Social Development, Women and Men Against Child Abuse, Kaizer Chiefs FC, Orlando Pirates FC, Vodacom Blue Bulls, Zinhle Masango and DJ Benny Maverick.
Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Willard Katsande said he hopes that everyone participating and observing the walk will continue spreading the message to stop abuse.
Gladwin Shitolo, an Orlando Pirates footballer, said he has witnessed abuse growing up but it did not affect him or influence the man he is today even though he tried to learned a great deal from it.
Blue Bulls scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl said he is very privileged to have not witnessed abuse in his personal life but would like to reach out to men who are perpetrators of abuse, to stop what they are doing and get help. He said the Vodacom Walk is a good platform to spread the message.
Vodacom Foundation acting executive head Rabia Awasi said their partners and employees decided to participate in the walk to send a message that enough is enough, abuse will no longer be accepted.
“We have a gender-based violence command centre in partnership with the Gauteng Department of Social Development and the community is encouraged to call and find counselling and help,” said Awasi.
She has encouraged all victims of abuse to speak up and find help before they leave their home in a body bag.
Details: Gender-based violence command centre 0800 428 428 or dial *120*786# for a callback.
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