A group of Community Influencers in Mdantsane took to the streets of NU18, and used their collective voice to raise awareness and condemn abuse, by scribbling big, bold, and colourful messages using chalk on the township’s tarred streets.
The messages, clearly visible to passersby, shared helpful information, and encouraged people to call out abusers even if they are friends or family.
According to Xolelwa Pona, Communications Officer at Masimanyane Women’s Rights International, the campaign started in partnership with an organisation called My Body; My Story in 2020.
“We launched it together at the Esplanade beachfront, because Quigney is one of the Gender Based Violence and Femicide hotspots in East London. We introduced the campaign to our Community Influencers as well, and we have been doing it in different areas around the Buffalo City Metro Municipality with our CI Forums for four years now,” said Pona.
Community Influencer Sikelelwa Matholengwe from NU18 Mdantsane, who is passionate about making a difference in her community, says she joined Bumb’Ingomso in 2018 and then became a Community Influencer through trainings attended at Masimanyane Woman’s Rights International in 2019.
She says through the Chalk-it-Up campaign they hope to reach as many people as they possibly can, and start important conversations.
“There are people who do not attend awareness campaigns and genuinely do not know where to seek help or get support. We make this information easily accessible by sharing contact details of where to get help should they come across, or be involved in, a GBVF situation”
“The senseless killing of women and children has to stop. We hope to inspire change as we work towards a GBVF-free generation” she said.
