To raise awareness and strengthen the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), the Gauteng Department of e-Government and the Gauteng Department of Community Safety visited the West Rand to educate the community on tools available to help protect themselves and reduce GBV.

According to department spokesperson Neo Goba, the provincial government encouraged community members to continue using technology in the fight against crime and lawlessness. This includes the e-Panic Button, which is distributed both electronically and physically, and has become an essential tool for safeguarding residents.

“It is without a doubt that the e-Panic Button is making a difference in our communities. Its effectiveness can only be proven if residents download and use it in times of need. Our team is always ready and fully capable of responding when residents call for help. Our turnaround time to deploy ambulances or armed response is between seven to 10 minutes,” Goba said.

Since the launch of the e-Panic Button in April, there have been 100 000 downloads. The cities where residents have mainly called for help include Bram Fischerville, Eldorado Park, Olievenhoutbosch, Tsakane, Cosmo City, Johannesburg Central, Daveyton, Vosloorus, Dobsonville, Meadowlands, Mohlakeng, Kwa-Thema, Mamelodi, Toekomsrus, Diepkloof, Kagiso, Thulani, Jukskei View, Pretoria Central, Ivory Park, Evaton West, Soshanguve South, Bekkersdal, Palm Ridge, Alexandra, Atteridgeville, Thembisa and Ennerdale.