As the nation observes 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, the City of Ekurhuleni executive mayor, Clr Mzwandile Masina, has committed his administration to addressing a number of challenges still faced by women and children.
Speaking to this paper shortly after his address during the Ordinary Council Meeting at the Council Chambers on Thursday, Masina said government is not going to turn a blind eye to the fact that women and children are still not free from the shackles of abuse.
Masina announced various interventions to fight gender-based violence (GBV).
“As a caring government, the city has collaborated with the Thuthuzela Care Centres in Ekurhuleni in response to prevention, ensuring adequate care, support and healing for victims of violence and strengthening the economic power of women.
“Our commitment to the development of children as a City is demonstrated in our social development work. The City of Ekurhuleni has constructed three early childhood development (ECD) centres,” said Masina.
“In May, we launched the ECD centre in Tsakane and will be launching another in Vosloorus early next year.
The significance of ECD centres cannot be over-emphasised. The emotional, social and physical development of young children has a direct effect on their overall development and on the adults that they will become.
This government continues to invest significantly in alleviating the scourge of drug addiction and substance abuse to which the youth in particular
has fallen victim. In partnership with the provincial Department of Social Development, this government has established three community-based
rehabilitation centres in Palm Ridge, Alrapark and Dukathole. These centres cater for everyone, but have a targeted focus on the youth.”
The caucus’ chief whip, Clr Jongizizwe Dlabathi, has also applauded Masina’s bold move and stance in addressing these challenges.
“We are encouraged by the assurance made by the executive mayor in addressing these challenges faced by our communities in Ekurhuleni.
“This annual campaign, which began on November 25, provides us with an opportunity to deeply reflect on these heinous crimes committed against women and children. We must ensure that each of us are activists working to combat this beyond 16 Days of Activism. We must extend our activism to fight against all social ills.
“GBV is a challenge in which our country must urgently intervene,” said Dlabathi.
