Badisa Strand organised a march on Wednesday 27 November, which commenced at Liberty Street in Rusthof and concluded at Broadway Square. The event was supported by Strand police, Helderberg Hospital and the Western Cape Education Department. According to spokesperson Leigh-Mae Martin, the event aimed to “break the silence around GBV and empower the community.”
Andrea Ruiters distributed resources about GBV services.
At Broadway Square, keynote speakers like Helderberg Hospital social worker Estie Vlok (pictured) and Warrant Officer Nico Beukes from the Strand Police Station addressed the community, emphasising the importance of reporting incidents of violence.
Later that morning, Macassar Community Day Centre (CDC), in partnership with the Western Cape Government Health and Unathi Community Youth Development, hosted a GBV awareness programme. The event began with a march led by the Cape Whalers Field Band.
The Cape Whalers Field Band brought the energy to the Macassar march with lively musical performances. Tubaist Lihle Maphi was the leader of the pack.
The programme was opened with prayer from Imam Shaheed Alexander and a keynote speech from Mrs Universe South Africa finalist Gizéla Möller (pictured).
The Somerset West police hosted its 16 Days of Activism event at the Sir Lowry’s Pass satellite police station. With songs performed by children from Emily’s Crèche, the event brought warmth to a serious cause. “It was part of the police’s efforts to combat incidents of GBV and educate the community about their rights,” said Sergeant Suzan Jantjies, head of the Somerset West police social crime prevention unit.Pictured is Lenie Goliath speaking to Jantjies, who shared GBV prevention strategies while engaging with community members on the topic.
The Child Protection Forum also launched its GBV campaign in Somerset West on Monday 25 November. Participants included Lwandle police, ACVV representatives, and Department of Social Development officials. The event started at Somerset West Magistrates’ Court and moved to the taxi rank and CBD, where volunteers distributed pamphlets and engaged with locals.
