March is Human Rights Month, commemorated to remind South Africans about the sacrifices that accompanied the struggle for the attainment of democracy in South Africa.

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These rights include equality as everyone is equal before the law and has the right to equal protection and benefit of the law, human dignity, and everyone has the right for their dignity to be respected and protected.

As part of Human Rights Month, Bertha Gxowa Care Centre together with other stakeholders in Germiston visited Dukathole on March 16 to conduct a door-to-door campaign. The aim was to talk to the community about GBV and other social issues like substance abuse.

“We saw a need to take time to educate the community about these issues, as some don’t even know their rights.

“Having all these different stakeholders on site was to ensure we share valuable information and that community can raise issues with the relevant department,” said Sr Hazel Moagi, hospital operational manager.

She said door-to-door campaigns are important as they allow them to connect with the community and see the challenges firsthand.

“We allow the community to speak to us and share their problems, and then we provide information or refer those with problems/needs to the relevant departments or /organisations,” said Moagi.

They also set up an HIV testing station at Dukathole taxi rank.

Ward 35 Clr Ntuthuzeli Mpambani said he is pleased to see different stakeholders empowering the community.

“Unemployment, poverty and crime are prevalent in our ward. The community will now know that there is help available,” said Mpambani.

Stakeholders included Germiston SAPS, Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Ekurhuleni municipality gender desk, Department of Social Development, EMPD, National Association of People Living with HIV and AIDS, Masibambaneni, health social workers and Sassa.