Respect women, they are rocks – Man to other men
#WomanAbuse: A man and political figure says women are rocks in the community and men should respect and cherish them.
Several parties, including the Toekomsrus community, celebrated Women’s Day on 9 August with a powerful message: “Women are rocks in the community and men should respect and cherish them”.
These were the words of Evert du Plessis, DA Regional chairperson during the event at the Toekomsrus Town Hall. In attendance were the Democratic Alliance (DA), Randfontein Police, Women against Woman and Children Abuse (Wawa) and the community of Toekomsrus to stand up against human trafficking as well as child and woman abuse. These issues have been making headlines in the country.
Major Magdeline Phore from the Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters, DA councillors Suzanne Clark, Lesego Lekoto, Du Plessis and Gerhard Kruger, and DA Regional Constitutional Coordinator Katlego Moeketsi also attended. Constable Portia Mabala represented the Randfontein Police.
The Toekomsrus Brass Band entertained the attendees. The Woman’s Network Community with the help of Rashida Abrahams from Wawa and Westview Clinic organised the event.
Abrahams, who is also the Programme Director, said they first started off by parading in Toekomsrus, making residents aware of their cause, and ended at the Toekomsrus Community Hall where the others were waiting.
The event was then opened with prayer, followed by everybody praying Die Onse Vader and singing the National Anthem. Du Plessis was up first, saying that when you strike a woman, you strike a rock. He also said women’s rights are still being undermined and that crimes against women must stop. Those who do not respect women should be brought to justice.
Mabala addressed the guests and community about women and child abuse, as well as the realities of human trafficking.
There was also some laughter when Abrahams made everyone exercise a little, and even the elderly joined in. There was a feeling of power in the air, and it was clear that the women were not going to be stepped on anymore. They felt empowered, and will carry the message they received with them, and tell their family and friends about it.
After the event, everyone enjoyed refreshments and more entertainment.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
