The Naturena community was undeterred by the poor turnout during their 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children event on December 6.

Various stakeholders attended, including:

• the JMPD;

• the SAPS;

• various CoJ departments;

• the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence;

• the Correctional Services;

• the CPF;

• community-based organisations.

They joined the motorcade, which started at Comptonville Park and ended at the open space opposite the KABC Church in Naturena. Prayers were held at key points.

The theme of the event was Count Me In.

Although councillors from both wards (119 and 125) were unable to attend, their representatives were present.

Nceba Ndube represented Clr Thobile Zondo, while Ruth Motsau represented Clr Matsobane Sekhu.

Welcoming the guests, the chairperson of the Sector 4 Mondeor precinct, Zakhele Mgemane, warned residents that the festive season comes with lots of domestic violence and GBV.

“People have money and are enjoying themselves. However, when they go home, they raise their voices and start fighting. Crime often starts at home. Sometimes, you think people are triggered by money, but sometimes it is spiritual, hence we had these prayers,” he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Bheki Xulu, a Vispol commander at the Mondeor SAPS, told the community to say ‘no’ to domestic violence for 365 days, not just 16.

“I have already attended two cases this morning; one involving an abused four-month-old and the other an elderly person assaulted by a youngster.

“The abuse is on the increase, even young female teachers are scared, as 16-year-old male learners abuse them. With all these prayers, we need to say, ‘Count me in’. Please report the abuse to the SAPS and the JMPD.

“People must take care of their money, especially bonuses. At this time of the year, we receive more cases of assault emanating from money issues. We also receive about 15 protection orders a day. The children are suffering because parents are not seeing eye-to-eye,” he said.

@southern.courierLieutenant Colonel Bheki Xulu, a Vispol commander at the Mondeor SAPS, told the community to say ‘no’ to domestic violence for 365 days, not just 16. “I have already attended two cases this morning; one involving an abused four-month-old and the other an elderly person assaulted by a youngster. Full story on southerncourier.co.za

♬ original sound – Southern Courier

Ndube shared the same sentiments, “We have difficulties in this area when it comes to crime. The infant story we attended made me cry. Count me in, and fight GBV and drugs.

“Remember, the root cause of this is how you were raised. We are concerned about the safety of this community. As elders, it is our duty to pave the way for the young ones,” he noted.

Motsau urged the community to use them in the absence of the councillors. “We are representatives, here to bridge the gap. I am disappointed with the attendance. We even advertised this event.

“We know most people living here are old, and we must devise strategies to help them when they face abuse. Children are smoking vapes at school. Where are the fathers to instil discipline?

“I’m challenging the youth, as they are the future, not to disappoint us. I understand the frustration of youth unemployment, but we must come to the table and discuss these issues.

“To officials, speak up. Let’s re-educate ourselves to do the right thing. GBV has ravaged our communities. Let’s do something, especially if you see something bad happening,” she said.

Morné Bond from the Correctional Services spoke on restorative justice and victim-offender dialogue.

“We encourage victims of crime to come forward, so perpetrators know what they did to them. The aim is to ensure both sides find closure. If you need to meet the offender as a victim, we encourage you to come to our offices, and we will facilitate that meeting,” he said.

Muzi Mhlanga from Community Safety encouraged residents to take charge of their own community.