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Entities host dialogue to tackle social ills in Thembisa

The event aimed to guide the community and raise awareness about the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, HIV and AIDS, and substance abuse in Thembisa.

Zaichaso Organisation, NICRO and Tintswalo Home-Based Care, in collaboration with POWA, Get Informed, CSVR, DEFSA, RSP, Madelakufa Women Empowerment, CPF, Mangena Community Development, the DSD substance abuse department, DSD GBV, and Ekurhuleni Social Development social workers, recently hosted a special dialogue to mark the 16 Days of Activism.

The event aimed to guide the community and raise awareness about the alarming rise in gender-based violence (GBV) cases, HIV and AIDS, and substance abuse in Thembisa.

These critical issues are becoming increasingly prevalent, and the stakeholders involved felt it was crucial to address them before further harm is done.

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Ward 7 Clr Thabang Jiyane was among the attendees and actively participated in the dialogue.

He has consistently supported various events in Thembisa, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to community concerns.

Organisations unite to host an awareness dialogue.

Bishop Michael Mtsali of Mangena Community Development spoke about the importance of having treatment for HIV and emphasised that the recent announcement of treatment being extended to six months, as mentioned by the deputy president on World AIDS Day, was a significant victory.

This move, he explained, will also help reduce stigma and discrimination faced by individuals when visiting health facilities.

Mtsali further noted that this change would foster a stronger working relationship between civil society and government.

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“It is crucial to take PrEP and PEP as tools to reduce infections and prevent mother-to-child transmission,” he said.

“Another important point is U=U: undetectable is equal to untransmittable. This means that if people take their treatment correctly, their viral load will be undetectable, which means they won’t transmit the virus to others.”

Tebogo Mafa from Legal Aid SA also spoke at the event, sharing information about the organisation’s services, which can be accessed at Mega Mart.

He encouraged attendees to have wills in place and stressed the importance of being informed about legal matters related to marriage.

Mafa also urged people to report cases of abuse, noting that perpetrators will not stop if cases are not opened.
The event was a great success, and its significance to the community cannot be overstated.

By addressing these vital topics, the dialogue ensured that everyone was informed about issues that deeply affect the community and highlighted the importance of prioritising the safety and well-being of women.

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