#GBV focal point of seminar
“There are a lot of challenges within our communities and we need to unite and join forces with various stakeholders to return peace and dignity in our respective communities,”
While observing Heritage Month in their traditional outfits, guests and speakers at a gender-based violence (GBV) seminar focused their energy on what seems to be South Africa’s second pandemic, GBV.
The seminar was organised by Tshegofatsa Rona Welfare and Community Organisation (TRWNCO) based in Van Riebeeck Park on September 26.
TRWNCO is an organisation that also provides shelter for orphans and abused women.
The founder of TRWNCO, Cynthia Dinalane, said the organisation hosts such events on a monthly basis to tackle the different social ills within society.
“There are a lot of challenges within our communities and we need to unite and join forces with various stakeholders to return peace and dignity in our respective communities,” said Dinalane.
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“We have to stop looking the other way when we see people in trouble and in vulnerable situations. Tomorrow, the same situation might come close to home and you would love for the community to help. We need to help each other in order to fight GBV, poverty, crime and many other social ills.”
The seminar was channelled towards GBV, but substance abuse was also touched on with one of the speakers, Itumeleng Selepe, sharing his experiences.
Selepe is a recovering drug addict who was addicted to cocaine and khat for 11 years.
“I have been clean for five years and it wasn’t an easy journey as I have relapsed several times. At times I would relapse days or hours after getting out of rehab,” said Selepe.
“I believe it was easy for me to relapse as I hadn’t dealt with the demon inside because when you are dealing with substance abuse and drug addiction, you are dealing with a demon and, unless you deal with that demon, it will be almost impossible to get someone clean without relapse.”
Selepe also shared with the audience the importance of fighting substance abuse as it is another contributing factor to GBV.
Some of the women in attendance posed questions to Selepe on how to deal with their children who are addicted to drugs and were relieved to learn about Selepe’s organisation, Word On The Street.
Word On The Street is a registered NPO founded in 2018.
“Although it was founded in 2018, it was officially registered in 2019. It is an anti-substance abuse organisation that aims to assist addicts overcome their habits,” explained Selepe.
“One hundred lives have been saved through the organisation that has a 95 per cent success rate.”
GBV survivor Sonto Sithole was among the speakers on the day and she agreed with Selepe when she stated in her opening statement that abuse is demonic.
Sithole also opened her organisation called Sister-to-Sister where women are encouraged to help other women fight GBV.
Poet Mmathapelo Phurutse recited her poem titled Are You A Woman or a Female, followed by GBV survivor and author Tshepang Mmusi. Both women encouraged and motivated the audience to fight and stand strong.
While giving a vote of thanks and concluding the programme, Dinalane shared that through TRWNCO, the members bring smiles on the faces of heartbroken people who need support.
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