Mali Martin in the Bronkhorstspruit area celebrates Youth Month

Youth Month was commemorated and celebrated through various activities in the community of Bronkhorstspruit by the Mali Martin, a non-profit organisation operating in regions 7 and 5 in the victim empowerment programme (VEP).

Mali Martin has two offices around the two regions, at a police station and a magistrate’s court.

Mali Martin fights against gender-based violence and runs the men’s and boys programme (perpetrator programme), as well as the victim empowerment centres at the police stations and operating in the magistrate’s offices in Bronkhorstspruit, Ekangala and Cullinan.

Mali Martin also conducts awareness programmes in the community, support groups, training and skills development programmes.

The men’s and boys’ offices conducted awareness at Hlolisisa Primary School in Ekangala on June 15.

They addressed the children about bullying in an endeavour to strengthen the kids to stand up for themselves.

The children were encouraged to report any cases of bullying and not to fear anyone.

Mali Martin Polokegong Centre (MMPC) staff members from the other offices visited Roodepoort Farm at Sizanani Village, doing a door-to-door campaign in the community.

They empowered the community on issues of abuse and told them not to remain silent if they encounter abuse in their homes.

The community was equipped with information on where to report, and how and who will assist.

They also encouraged the youth to stand up, be creative and embrace life positively with mindful thinking.

A movie afternoon was also arranged for the women to watch and learn what Youth Day is all about.

Afterwards, a question and answer session was held.

Bronkhorstspruit Victim Empowerment Centre (VEC) is one of Mali Martin’s offices at the police offices where people go and report their cases privately. There are victim-friendly rooms in the police station.

The Bronkhorstspruit VEC went to Sokhulumi, a community further up in Sizanani on R25 road, to empower the youth with information and the activities, including a dialogue where they shared information about gender-based violence, domestic violence and human trafficking.

Afterwards, sporting activities were done to get the youth to have fun.