Greenhills stands united against GBV at awareness event
To commemorate the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children, the Randfontein Parliamentary Constituency Office brought leaders and residents together to raise awareness about GBV and community support.
The Randfontein Parliamentary Constituency Office joined the nation in observing the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children as well as World Aids Day during an event held at Greenhills Stadium.
Speaking on behalf of Ward 6 (Greenhills residents), Godfrey Moutlwadi said he was honoured to attend an event of such significance, where Deputy Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature, Vuyo Mhlakaza Manamela, delivered the keynote address.
“I’m happy, albeit being invited in a short space of time, to welcome the high seat of government in our midst,” said Moutlwadi, who also represents the Rand West City Municipal Communication team, on behalf of the residents.
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Pastor Dineo Molotsane urged the church to play an active role in addressing gender-based violence (GBV). She added that God loves all people, regardless of their sexuality.
“GBV is affecting our economy. We are also the worst perpetrators of GBV. Women suppress each other, and some men are abused by women. We must walk away from abuse: both men and women,” she said.
Constable Kagoencha Kwezi, Social Crime Co-ordinator, called on the community to unite in tackling the scourge of GBV.
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“GBV is a global crisis that affects all of us, even us as police. GBV is not only physical – using social media to slam or cyberbully, as well as what we say, is part of GBV,” Kwezi explained.
Manamela encouraged the community to support people with disabilities who often feel marginalised.
“Our families tend to feel discriminated. The disabled need our support. In the past, we used to isolate them, but we now live with them. However, that stigma remains. Knowing your HIV status is the most important step. Let us report social ills and protect the LGBTQ people who suffer from being different. We are family as a society, no matter our backgrounds,” she said.
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Tshepiso Mokone, co-ordinator of the Randfontein Parliamentary Constituency Office, said that a platform of this nature is vital as it brings high-level government leadership closer to the everyday challenges faced by communities.
