BOIPATONG – Gauteng Department of Community Safety MEC, Faith Mazibuko on Friday, December 08, led a candlelight ceremony for affected families and survivors of Gender-based Violence and Femicide in Boipatong.
The candlelight ceremony held at the community hall served as a symbol of hope for the families and survivors of Gender-based Violence and was aimed at bringing awareness around the rampant scourge of abuse.
Various stakeholders attended the event included Gauteng Traffic Police, members of the South African Police Service, GBVF Brigades, and representatives from Faith-based Organisations.
Several high-profile individuals such as Emfuleni’s MMC of Community Safety Ndade Mokoena, and Boipatong’s station Commander Colonel Puleng Mokoena, among many others, graced the event.
Different speakers took the opportunity to share their stories and motivational talks around gender-based abuse.
Addressing the gathered crowds, Blessing Mosebi, a GBVF Brigade spoke on the work they do to educate people about Gender-based Violence.
She urged all stakeholders including Law Enforcement Agencies to work together and end abuse.
“We do door to doors in the community of Boipatong and make sure we help each other on breaking the scourge of gender-based violence. Gender-based violence was declared a second pandemic because, in all honesty, it’s the first pandemic. Every morning when one wakes up, a child has been raped, molested, trafficked, or murdered. It is all our responsibility to make sure that we commit to working with each other as citizens,” she said.
Boipatong station commander, Lieutenant Colonel Puleng Mokoena encouraged women to speak up against abuse.
“Where there is smoke there is fire, and our people should learn to read signs of red flags. Signs are always there before the actual violence or abuse and we can’t encourage people to stay in abusive relationships. If you are encountering issues of abuse, come to our police station so that we can swiftly assist before the abuse gets out of hand,” she said.
