Pretoria Central SAPS, with the Gauteng department of community safety embarked on an outreach programme in collaboration with two schools, Langenhoven Hoër Skool and Pretoria Technical College, to stand against gender- based violence and socials ills.

Police spokesperson, Constable Thabang Nkhumise said the event sought to educate and spread the word to the youth, parents and the community.

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The event, hosted at Langenhoven High School’s sport grounds started with a 3km walk to raise awareness and take a stand against GBV, as a preamble towards the event at the school. The walk started from Nelson Mandela drive to Church Square along Helen Joseph Street.

“Participants were learners from both schools, parents, CPF and invited guests,” said Nkhumise.

The learners recited poems, drama, debates, poetry, musical items and cultural beliefs and norms, in line with GBV.

With the support of the Gauteng province Community Safety Office and the Community Policing Forum it proved to be a fruitful day full of displays, speeches, songs and games.

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“This will spread to other schools and on various social platforms with the aim of minimising such social ills related to gender-based violence,” said Nkhumise.

Velaphi Mahlokwane from the Gauteng Department of Community Safety said the event was about raising awareness about GBV and feminicide.

He said prevention and the objective of fighting GBV was to educate learners and other vulnerable groups.

“Children are exposed to GBV and they are also victims of GBV,” said Mahlokwane.

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The Department of Community Safety handed out pamphlets about GBV and how to report poor police service.

Learners said abuse was choice. They encouraged people to speak out and report GBV cases before it was too late.

“Enough is enough, we need to protect each other, including our neighbours, from GBV,” they said.

The event started at 09:00 and ended at 13:00.

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