Seriti enhance more in protecting the vulnerable
GBV victims have a new safe place for safety
Seriti has launched initiatives over R1.2 million that are aimed at protecting the vulnerable from being the victims of gender-based violence (GBV) especially women and children because there are most likely to fall prey to the tragic issue of GBV.
Seriti has also handed over a therapeutic playroom container for children who are the victims of GBV on Monday, August 30 at the local Foundation for Victims of Crime Centre (FOVOC).
The representatives of Seriti were accompanied by the Executive Mayor and Cllr of Emalahleni Local Municipality, Cllr Linah Malatjie.
These initiatives came as a way of fighting against crime and GBV especially in Emalahleni.
Seriti further aims at supporting the vulnerable with services such as court moral support, restorative justice, prevention programmes, and sheltering services for women and children as well as the construction of a Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC).
Seriti started with these initiatives, early on Monday at Kriel Police Station where they also handed over the VEC Centre for the victims of gender-based violence.
In the proceedings of the event, Chief Corporate and Community Relations Officer of Seriti, Thabo Masike said, President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently lamented the surge in gender-based violence occurrences across the country, citing that the problem seems to be worsening as Covid-19 pandemic, and lockdown measures have kept Women and Children inside homes with their devastating abusers.
He further said it is reported to have prompted an escalation in gender-based violence against women and children in South Africa, and the Mpumalanga Province is no exception to the scourge.
Therefore as Seriti they strive at demolishing the bad stigma of GBV.
Thabo believes that the centre is going to provide admitted victims of crime, with a warm and receptive environment, which is child-friendly for the young ones.
The new facility provides the necessary resources for children to play freely and with gradual social integration from the harsh external environment, ensuring that they are protected from offenders and remain engaged and entertained in this sanctuary.
The donation includes a furnished playroom container with toys for the children, bedding and recreational items, as well as a vegetable garden to assist in empowering beneficiaries with self-sustenance tools when they return to their homes.
“We believe that these initiatives will aid our partners, the FOVOC and SAPS in protecting the vulnerable members of society, more so with the increased abuse of Women and young girls in our communities. The protection of the vulnerable is the vital key to these initiatives as we are aware that a situation where they are violated can lead to femicide and in other instances, leaves permanent scars for the victims,” said Thabo.
Seriti decided to refurbish the Kriel Police Station as well.
The refurbishment of the police station includes repainting inside and outside, tiling, installation of clear view fencing and steel gates amongst other refurbishments, ensuring that the SAPS renders professional services, protects victims, and arrests offenders to keep our communities safe.
Thabo added that Seriti’s contribution will go a long way in fighting against crime in the area and the protection of women and children against perpetrators.
“We will continue to partner and support our stakeholders, including the SAPS, to ensure that areas surrounding our operations are safe for our employees, business, and the residents at large. By renovating the police station, we restore the dignity and promote the pride of the police workforce as well,” said Masike.
The Kriel Police Station renders services to the Kriel, Thubelihle, Rietspruit, and neighbouring farm communities, including the mines and businesses in the area, among others.
Therefore the initiatives and support offered by Seriti will see eMalahleni transformed for the benefit of all going forward. In the closing of the event, Cllr Malatjie could not have enough words to thank Seriti for the handful way of giving back to the people of Emalahleni;
“these donations are going to make a huge impact on our people I just wish and pray to God to continue to bless Seriti for their magnificent work.”
Chairperson of FOVOC Mr Lucas Nkosi spoke mouthful about the donations with tears cracking on his eyes.
“We did not expect such a huge donation from anyone especially during these tough times where everyone is seeking a better place to survive. We thank Seriti for donating blankets for us and our basic needs especially the playroom for children I don’t have much to say besides saying we are grateful for the magnificent donation, we also thank our Executive Mayor for being part of this phenomenal event and for always looking for her people,” said Lucas.
READ MORE:
https://www.citizen.co.za/witbank-news/179906/men-are-victims-of-gender-based-violence-too/
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