As world leaders touched down in the motherland for the G20 Leaders’ Summit on November 21, millions of South Africans made history by participating in a national shutdown against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.

The shutdown, led by Women For Change, united women and men nationwide in marches, with the main gathering held at Constitution Hill.

Closer to home, the Eldorado Park Community Interventions Team, led by Cheryl Pillay, called on residents to gather at Eldorado Park SAPS in solidarity with the campaign.

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Pillay said that, due to the alarming increase in GBV+F cases in the greater Eldorado Park community, it was vital to raise awareness and introduce the network of support available through various stakeholders.

The event drew a strong turnout, with hundreds of community members joining the cause. Families of victims who lost their lives to GBV were also present, each receiving a symbolic gift in remembrance of their loved ones.

Among the attendees were the Department of Social Development MEC, Faith Mazibuko, and City of Johannesburg council speaker, Clr Margaret Arnolds.

“As we observed the 15-minute moment of silence at 12:00, the pain was tangible as families and survivors relived the horrors of their experiences,” said Pillay.

“The cries of millions of women echoed across the country as President Cyril Ramaphosa finally declared GBV a national disaster.”

During the programme, Eldorado Park SAPS communications officer Sergeant Fezeka Khobo shared safety information and encouraged greater community cooperation.

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Mazibuko applauded the women for taking a stand, adding that alcohol abuse must also be taken seriously, as it plays a major role in fuelling violence.

“Women of Eldos and surrounding areas, we salute you today. Through your efforts, there is finally a breakthrough with the declaration of this national crisis,” she said.

“What we need to do now is be more active in exposing the abusers who live among us. As women, we need to break the silence.”

Stakeholders supporting the event included:
• Ward 18 Clr Juwairiya Kaldine
• NPA
• SAPS
• Reverend Heidi Peterson
• Faith-Based Organisations
• CPF
• Come Back Mission
• Project Pick Six
• Hadassah Centre for Women
• My Life Matters
• From Gangs to Grace
• No More Victims
• SANCA
• Ext 2 and 9 Clinic
• National Neighbourhood Watch
• Masibanisane
• TDP Security
• African Recruitment
• Gail Brittoe Foundation
• Eldos Taxi Association
• Gauteng Housing Crisis Committee
• Tswelopelo Security
• Eldorado Park Family Crisis Centre
• CoJ Rehab Centre (Ext 9)
• Building Bridges
• Eldos FM
• Eldorado Park True Men’s Forum
• Takalani Home for People with Disabilities
• Eldorado Park Women’s Forum
• BeCoCo
• Kliptown PCO

Pillay welcomed president Ramaphosa’s declaration, calling it the beginning of steps toward creating a country where all citizens can feel safe.

“We move forward in the hope that this declaration will bring the much-needed resources to combat this scourge gripping our country.

“We will continue to advocate for harsher sentences for those who commit these heinous acts. We have shown the world what the power of unity can do,” she concluded.