Community policing forums (CPFs) from across the Western Cape united in Strand last Friday (12 December) to conclude the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
The event, which was held at Rusthof Primary School, drew representatives of CPF structures and policing precincts from around the province to show support for victims of violence.
Organisers deliberately chose the Helderberg area because it is considered a hotspot for crimes against women and children. The strategy worked, with local community members fully embracing the event.
Pastor Johannes Pick opened with a prayer, the Casablanca Royal Squad provided entertainment, and acting Strand CPF chairperson Lillian Albertyn delivered an inspirational message.
Fransina Lukas, national and provincial CPF chairperson, used her keynote address to call for sustained action beyond the annual campaign.
“The pandemic has not been cured just because the 16 days campaign has officially stopped until next year. Therefore our commitment must be 365 days of relentless action and volunteerism,” she said.
Lukas emphasised the need to fight crime not just with slogans but with sustained strategy, rooted in local CPF structures. “Collectively we dare not fail the victims who depend on us to be their voice and to act in their best interests.”
The message of collective responsibility resonated throughout the event. Khayelitsha sub-district GBV coordinator Funeka Soldaat spoke about the event’s purpose, while representatives from Business Against Crime Western Cape, the provincial Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety, police and various NPOs gave messages of support.
The event featured powerful personal testimonies from supporters advocating for victims and survivors sharing their own lived experiences, reinforcing Lukas’ call for year-round action.
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