At least 250 dignity packs were handed over to the Are Ageng Centre for Abused Women in Bekkersdal recently.

Distell, a producer and marketer of spirits, fine wines, ciders and ready-to-drinks donated the dignity packs which contained sanitary packs, soaps, masks, sweets and other toiletries.

Among those in attendance were Brenda Mahuma, the Rand West City Local Municipality Mayor; Henrietta Bogopane-Zulu, Deputy Minister of Social Development; Wilson Kupa from Distell; Nozi Mapena-Dlamini, MMC for Health and Social Development; Jane Khoza MP, Gauteng MEC for Social Development; and Lindiwe Xulu, the West Rand District Municipality MMC for Social Development.

The mayor described the occasion as “big and important for a small municipality to be part of”, but lauded the partnership between the state and private sector.

To manager Mpule Thejane, a centre of this kind makes a huge difference to women who are undergoing abuse. We as South African women have been fighting and we will continue to fight,” she said.

In her address, Bogopane-Zulu called on all women, but especially those who suffer under gender-based violence, to speak out. She also praised social workers.

“It is important that we talk to our ‘other sisters’. As women, we are able to open a bit more and speak more about something than men – that is why men experience more depression than women.”

Bogopane-Zulu also revealed how she herself was a victim of rape while at boarding school, and that her own daughter went through the same ordeal.

However, as a self-proclaimed Christian, she called on victims to forgive both themselves and the perpetrator.

You make room for positive energy if you are forgiving,” she said.