VRYHEID KZN: Ncome members not immune to GBV

It was really encouraging to witness the Department of Correctional Services / Ncome Management Area reminding its members that they too are part of society and as such can also fall victim to not only gender-based violence (GBV), but also HIV/AIDS and disability challenges.

Special attention on GBV and HIV/AIDS has for the longest time been given to the ‘clients’ of the department, who are offenders. It is too often forgotten that the staff also experience the challenges of life every day. “It was then for this reason that the department decided to host this type of programme to educate and sensitise our members about this scourge,” said Ms Mazwi (area co-ordinator: Development and Care) during her welcoming address.

Messages of support came from the Department of Health to sensitise and educate Correctional Services employees about TB/HIV Care.

Mr Sibusiso Myeza, a social worker in the Department of Correctional Services, spoke at length about the significance of the ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign and really urged parents to be vigilant in noticing suspicious behaviour in their children, because youngsters are vulnerable and often afraid to speak out when abused.

Another member living with a disability, Mr RT Ntuli, thanked the department for remembering that they too exist and urged the department to ensure that the target of 2.6% people living with disabilities employed is increased because it has been the same for a very long time.

Mr SSS Mhlungu, who was also invited as a guest speaker, started off by saying that we are all living with a disability in one way or the other; it is just that some are visibly disabled. He went on to say that we are all reminded through these initiatives that we are humans and should revive the spirit of Ubuntu within us, which in turn will eradicate abuse and crime in general. He went on to say that we are an angry society. “We are very violent in nature as Africans and this should be dealt with through love management, which is a term that is never used,” said Mhlungu. “If you practice love in your family, you are automatically injecting love in your children and you are likely not going to have children who abuse, rape and do crime,” said Mhlungu.

In his closing remarks, Ncome Area Commissioner Mr AB Gina said his life will never be the same again after everything he has learnt, and said he hoped that the feeling was mutual with the rest of the members present.

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