SEBOKENG.- The newly formed executive structure of the Vaal DA Rainbow Network (DARN) hit the ground running during Mandela Day by visiting an organisation called ”Lebo Basadi’, a shelter that assists survivors of GBV with a particular focus on marginalised people in the LGBTIQA+ community in Sebokeng last week.
DARN which is spearheaded by DA MP, Tumelo Ramongalo, donated sanitary towels to the organisation because they strongly believe that the dignity of the girl child should be restored. The DARN structure was joined by the Vaal Regional Chairperson, Prudence Hlanyane and Regional Deputy Chairperson, Duncan Mthembu and other councillors from the DA who were impressed to learn all about the great work that Lebo Basadi is involved in and how they continue to selflessly be at the forefront of issues that affect marginalised victims.
The 67 minutes of Mandela Day continued with DARN visiting the informal settlement of Azania in Sebokeng where they knocked on doors and donated the over 100 remaining sanitary towels. “This has given us an opportunity to engage with communities to hear their grievances and challenges and to go back to our leaders and remind them of the destitute and neglected communities that need serious intervention, as DARN, we will remain at the forefront of fighting for justice, equity and inclusion that transcends beyond LGBTIQ issues” said Allan Soke the Chairperson of Vaal DARN.
In an effort to promote inclusion and diversity, Vaal DA MP Tumelo Ramongalo, says that the structure will penetrate uncharted territories in order to promote dialogues centred around gender and sexual identity. The purpose is to use our activities to celebrate diversity, promote awareness and create a safe space that gives a platform for meaningful engagements that seek to educate and sensitise communities on issues of gay and lesbian rights.
“Reminding ourselves that beyond race, sexual orientation and religious and spiritual differences, we are connected by one common thread, which is our humanity. This aligns with the objective of Mandela Day, which seeks to remind us of the importance of the spirit of Ubuntu-I am because we are,” said Ramongalo.
DARN believes that a whole-of-society approach, involving stakeholders, law enforcement, legislators, the civil and civic society as well as families, would go a long way to promote inclusion, diversity and, thus expanding education and awareness that will help to achieve equity for marginalised groups of people. “The journey will be long and hard, but I am impressed with how DARN has handled and executed their initiatives with care and heart. As a region, we are committed to showing our support to this new structure and to make sure we dismantle the hate-fest culture against marginalised groups of people”, said Prudence Hlanyane the Vaal DA Regional Chairperson.
