The Akasia community will have a new initiative to help curb gender-based violence (GBV) crimes in the area.

Akasia CPF Sector 2 has launched the Ubuntu Shield GBV Response Care Initiative to strengthen support for victims within the Akasia policing precinct. The programme aims to create a co-ordinated, community-based system focused on rapid response, victim care and closer collaboration between key stakeholders.

According to Lerato Makwe, interim chairperson of Akasia CPF Sector 2, Ubuntu Shield forms part of the forum’s broader efforts to boost community awareness, co-operation and support structures in addressing GBV.

The initiative comes amid growing concern about the impact of GBV on families and neighbourhoods. GBV remains a serious challenge in the precinct, where domestic violence, assault, sexual offences and child-abuse cases continue to be reported.

Community safety structures say many incidents still go unreported because of fear, stigma and lack of awareness about available support services.

To tackle these issues, the CPF is mobilising residents, professionals and organisations to stand together in protecting vulnerable community members.
“Ubuntu Shield is about building a community that stands together against violence and ensures that victims are not left to face these challenges alone,” Makwe said. She explained the initiative promotes the spirit of Ubuntu, emphasising that individual safety and well-being are shared community responsibilities.

Ubuntu Shield aims to improve co-ordination between the community and institutions involved in addressing GBV. Through partnerships, the CPF hopes to strengthen prevention and response mechanisms and help residents better understand how the justice system handles GBV cases.

The CPF works closely with SAPS to improve police-community communication through community dialogues, safety awareness campaigns, patrol co-ordination and programmes that educate residents on reporting crimes and supporting victims.

“Partnerships with institutions, such as the NPA, also play an important role in helping communities understand the legal processes that follow once a case has been opened. These collaborations help bridge the gap between reporting a crime and achieving justice for victims,” Makwe said.

Supporting survivors is a key priority. Community safety structures often assist victims by directing them to appropriate services, including police assistance, social workers, victim-support centres and counselling organisations.

Makwe acknowledged barriers survivors face, such as fear of retaliation, emotional trauma, social stigma and limited knowledge of legal procedures. She also noted the CPF sometimes struggles with limited resources and needs additional training to better assist victims.

The CPF believes informed, active communities can play a powerful role in preventing GBV. Residents are encouraged to report incidents, support victims and work with community safety structures to create safer neighbourhoods. Early intervention and community backing can make a significant difference in protecting victims and preventing further harm.

As Ubuntu Shield expands, the CPF has called on local businesses, organisations and partners to support GBV response efforts –by backing awareness campaigns, providing resources for victim-support programmes and strengthening partnerships that promote community safety.

Makwe said the ultimate goal is a community that is informed, responsive and united in protecting vulnerable people. “Success means a community that understands the seriousness of gender-based violence and works together with law enforcement and support organisations to protect victims and ensure justice,” she said.

The CPF urged victims who feel afraid to come forward to seek help and report abuse. “You are not alone. There are support systems in place and people who are ready to assist you. Reporting abuse is a courageous step towards safety and justice,” Makwe added.

ALSO READ: Police call for help in finding murderer of Hammanskraal resident (27)

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel