Vodacom Walk for Good takes a stand against violence
MIDRAND – The 3km walk was graced by a veteran actor and sportsmen.
Vodacom held the second edition of its Vodacom Walk for Good on 28 November in support of the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence Against Women and Children campaign at its head offices in Midrand.
The walk was held in conjunction with the Department of Social Development.
The aim of the walk was to mobilise communities to promote active participation in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children. Hundreds of people participated in the 3km walk including veteran actor Sello Maake-Ncube and players of Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs, Vodacom Blue Bulls and Emirates Lions.
The chief officer of corporate affairs at Vodacom, Takalani Netshitenzhe said as responsible corporate citizens, they believed it was their responsibility to bring about sustainable change.
She said now more than ever, they needed to continue their commitment to connecting for good in various areas, including gender empowerment. “Gender-based violence is a societal challenge that requires collaboration from all South Africans and Africans.”
“Whether young or old, men and women, whatever race, rank, age, gender or social class, and more especially in the digital age, gender-based violence knows no borders.
“This issue continues to be one of the greatest social ills of our time and is starting to reverse the strides made towards the emancipation of humanity from slavery and exploitation.”
Vodacom, through its partnership with the Department of Social Development, has invested more than R6 million towards the infrastructure and running of the national Gender-based Violence Command Centre, which provides support to survivors of abuse.
The 24/7 centre has received more than 300 000 calls to date. The centre can be reached on 080 042 8428, which is also supported by a USSD Please Call Me facility *120*7867#.
There is a Skype line ‘HelpMeGBV’ for members of the deaf community. For persons with a disability, victims can text ‘help’ to 31531. The centre is able to refer calls directly to the police’s 10111 line and to social workers who respond to victims.
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Also check out:
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/187742/16-days-activism-16-ways-can-help-end-violence-women-children/
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/198210/10-important-tweets-100menmarch-gender-violence/
https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/199165/totalshutdown-womens-month-kicks-off-protests-gender-based-violence/
