eMZINONI – About 200 girls between the age of 12 and 19 marched from eMzinoni Police Station to eMzinoni Community Hall on Saturday, 7 June.
This was part of an awareness campaign that was initiated by the eMzinoni Police with the aim of teaching girls about various issues such as teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, domestic violence and rape.
Const Cynthia Mtsweni, spokesman for the eMzinoni Police Station, said it was about time that girls are taught about life’s sad realities.
“We have previously had several cases regarding young girls who were abused and initiated this campaign.
“We invited various stakeholders, such as the Department of Education, Social Development and churches to help us communicate this awareness.
Ms Lindi Masina, executive mayor of the Govan Mbeki Municipality, encouraged girls to not be silent about any form of abuse.
“Your life is very precious and you are beautiful gifts from God.
“Do not allow anyone to take advantage of you because you are young.
“The police are here to make sure that you are protected and safe.
“It is within your right to live in a safe and secure environment and Government has made that possible by providing good police officers.”
The girls performed various activities such as drama and poetry.
Gugulethu Mahlangu (16) said she learnt a lot from the speakers.
“It is good to know that the police are on our side.
“I will spread the massage to my peers who were not here.”
