Gauteng Social Development joins Diepkloof in fight against GBV

The Gauteng Department of Social Development, in collaboration with various government partners, engaged the Diepkloof community on the fight against GBV on September 04.

Hosted at the Diepkloof Multi-Purpose Centre under the theme Breaking the Cycle of GBVF: Women Empowerment, the programme brought together residents, including those from nearby hostels, to raise awareness and strengthen community involvement in addressing GBV.

The event also formed part of the ongoing 365 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign.

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Speaking at the event, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko, emphasised the importance of a united front in tackling GBV.

“Because GBV affects everyone, we brought together residents from different walks of life so that, as government, we can assist with the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.

Pillar two of the plan focuses on prevention and rebuilding social cohesion, while pillar four deals with response, care, support and healing.

“These pillars guide our work. Not only do we provide support and healing to survivors, we also focus on prevention and empowerment through awareness drives and skills development,” Mazibuko said.

The programme also provided a platform for the voices of survivors. Monica Moagi, a GBV survivor and founder of the Kaboentle NPO, shared her testimony.

“I was abused by my in-laws for a long time. Growing up, we were taught that women must endure in silence as pillars of strength in marriage.

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“My ordeal only ended through divorce. Today, through our NPO, we help women in similar circumstances to overcome their struggles and reclaim their dignity.”

“Representatives from partner organisations also engaged residents,” Moagi said.

Valencia Kgame from the National Prosecuting Authority (Protea Court) urged complainants not to withdraw GBV cases after opening them.

“Many people say they open cases just to threaten the perpetrator, often because he is the breadwinner. But once a case is opened, the law must take its course. Instead, we advise applying for a Protection Order as a more appropriate intervention.”

Community leader Nduna Sibongiseni Khoza, from the Diepkloof Hostel, called for stricter regulation of taverns and shebeens to help reduce GBV-related incidents.

The dialogue also let residents ask questions and share recommendations. Other government departments and entities in attendance included the Department of Home Affairs, the SAPS, the Independent Electoral Commission and the South African Social Security Agency.

The department reaffirms its commitment to empowering communities, supporting survivors and breaking the cycle of GBV through continuous awareness, prevention and skills development initiatives.