Kliptown outreach supports GBV survivors and families

Community organisation Sukuma Sakhe Isizwe recently hosted an outreach event in Kliptown to support those who are experiencing GBV and disadvantaged families through a soup kitchen and clothing donation.

The event took place at Mandela Square, where parents and children gathered to receive warm meals and donated clothing.

The initiative also aimed to educate the community about GBV and raise awareness about its impact.

Organisers said the programme was created to assist families facing difficult living conditions in the area. Many children in the community do not have enough clothing or proper school uniforms.

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Nthabeleng Makhanya, the guest speaker, said that the purpose of the event is to teach young children, women, and men about how they can fight against GBV.

“We hope this event will be useful because we will also talk about teenage pregnancy and substance abuse,” she said.

Makhanya added that they will also visit other surrounding areas in Kliptown, helping the community with clothing and food.

Lebohang Beleng, the event organiser, said that the main aim is to support community members and to raise awareness about social issues affecting the area. “We will accept any help, be it food, clothes, or shoes,” he said.

Beleng said he will be very pleased if teenagers participate to learn more about teenage pregnancy, which is affecting Kliptown.

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Recovering drug user Salome Makate said: “For 18 years abusing drugs, I have two daughters, but I don’t stay with them. They took them away because of the drug abuse issue,” she said.

Makate added that these kinds of events will help many people like her and those who are scared to fight against GBV.

The community of Mandela Square learned more about GBV, substance abuse, and teenage pregnancy, and during the event, they were offered meals and clothes.