- The Sibambene Langa Women’s Group was launched at Isilimela Comprehensive School on Saturday 24 August, aiming to provide a platform for women to express themselves freely about gender-based violence and other challenges.
- This non-profit organisation seeks to protect and encourage women to speak out against GBV, with a focus on creating a safe space for supporting victims.
- Community stakeholders, including the Langa GBV Forum and Langa Police Station, have pledged to work together with Sibambene to address GBV, crime.
The spirits were high among Langa residents during the launch of Sibambene Langa Women’s Group at Isilimela Comprehensive School on Saturday 24 August.
Scores of people gathered at the school to witness this prestigious event.
Sibambene is a non-profit organisation (NPO), to give women a platform to express themselves openly and freely about issues related to the gender-based violence and feminine (GBVF)
The GBVF and field worker for Sibambene, Mpotseng Makateng, described the group as a voice for the voiceless.
She said their focus is to protect and encourage women to speak out against gender-based violence and other challenges they face in the area.
“We encourage people, particularly women, to utilise this group. This is a safe space for people who have been affected by GBV to share their experiences. We encourage them to speak out and not be quiet. We are saying enough is enough. We want all the women to stand up and fight for their rights and dignity,” she said
Makateng, who is also a GBV and rape victim, said it is time for the community to unite.
She described Langa as one of the impoverished areas affected by crime and unemployment.
Nomvume Ralarala, a member of the Langa GBV Forum, urged all the Langa stakeholders to work together.
She said they aim to fight crime and substance abuse, which have an impact on the GBV.
“We have a challenge of unemployment, drugs and alcohol abuse. There are a lot of illegal shebeens in our area and they are operating even after hours. And in most cases, these incidents of GBV and domestic violence occurred when people are under the influence of liquor,” explained Ralarala.
Sgt Nonkosi Mapukata from Social Crime at Langa Police Station said working with Sibambene will make their job as officers easier.
She said the group will be the eyes and ears of the officers.
“We have a victim support room that is in the station where they are going to be stationed to work with us. Our relationship with them is to make sure that the community is safe and their grievances are attended to,” said Mapukata.
