A recent awareness campaign highlighted the dangers of gender-based violence (GBV) in the community.
The event was hosted by the South African Communist Party’s John Beaver Marks branch in Rabie Ridge. It gained support from a number of organisations including local churches, Rabie Ridge Police Station, Rabie Ridge Taxi Association, Greater Midrand Development Centre, Rabie Ridge Commnity Policing Forum and the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco).
Madimetja Lehutjo, secretary for the John Beaver Marks branch, said the purpose of the event was to highlight the challenges of gender-based violence in their community.
Lehutjo added, “The negative impact it creates in our families such as divorce, orphans in the family and unnecessary suicide committed by family members, destroys many families. GBV also plays a brutal role in child-headed families.
“We educated the community about the dangers of gender-based violence in our community, and curbing it.”
One of the speakers at the event, Ward 80 councillor Makgoba Pagadi, highlighted President Cyril Ramaphosa’s six pillars of ending the surge of gender-based violence.
Pagadi based his talk on the third pillar which focuses on justice, safety and protection of victims. “Community members can approach me as their councillor for advice on how to go about getting help,” he said.
“Many victims do not speak up because of issues of fear, or reliance on their oppressor as they are the bread winner at home and so forth. But we are there to assist.
Pagadi continued, “Furthermore, I urge those who do witness these horrendous activities to report them too, as that can save lives.”
Details: South African Communist Party secretary for the JB Marks Branch in Ward 80 on 072 825 3724.
