The Wright Park Youth Desk recently hosted a 5km Community Fun Walk in solidarity with women and families affected by the recent killings of women in the Ekurhuleni region.

The organisation’s secretary, Karabo Malefetsane, described the atmosphere as nothing short of amazing. He also described it as liberating, empowering and deeply emotional.

“While the event created an atmosphere of unity, excitement and community spirit, there was also a bittersweet reality that remained with many of us throughout the morning.

“Some of our own residents are personally connected to women who have recently lost their lives to gender-based violence in KwaThema and surrounding communities.

“For those families and loved ones, GBV is not an abstract social issue discussed in the media or in community meetings; it is a painful reality that has touched people within our own community,” Malefetsane said.

He added that they walked in solidarity with survivors, families and communities affected by GBV.

“Most importantly, we were walking to remind ourselves that remaining silent or indifferent cannot be the future we choose for our communities,” he said.

He added that it wasn’t without its challenges, particularly when participants became restless and tired.

“But what stood out was the determination of people to complete the course. The walk became a reflection of life itself: there are moments when the journey becomes difficult, but we continue because the destination and the reason we started matters,” Malefetsane said.

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He highlighted the overwhelming number of young people who participated, including several senior residents.

“It demonstrated something that we believe is extremely important: our youth are not merely the leaders of tomorrow. Young people are already capable of becoming active contributors to the safety and development of their communities today,” he said.

Malefetsane thanked everyone who contributed to the event’s success. “We are profoundly thankful to every resident, young person, parent, senior citizen, business, community organisation, and member of the CPF who helped make the event possible.

“The turnout of more than 120 people exceeded what we had hoped for and demonstrated that there is an appetite within our community for initiatives that promote solidarity, safety and social responsibility,” he said.

The organisation plans to host a “Know Your Neighbour” community braai at Ndaba Park, Meyer Drive, on December 5.

“The event will be more than a social gathering. It will provide an opportunity for residents to reconnect, meet their neighbours and strengthen the relationships that form the foundation of a safer and more united community,” he concluded.