The Salvation Army in partnership with other organisations had its Justice Walk in Goodwood in commemoration of Women’s Day highlighting the challenges of gender-based violence and human trafficking.
According to Lieutenant Mpumelelo Dathini of the Salvation Army, the goal of awareness of GBV and anti-human trafficking was achieved.
“People from around the community attended from all races, and people walked the full 3 km walk.”
The event was opened with the national anthem which in itself is a prayer for our country, Dathini said.
People shared in conversation while they were walking and speaking to people on the street about these issues.
There were four stations set up by four organisations and people stopped at each one and were engaged on the topics and were given practical tools to deal with these issues.
Assistance, vetting tools and support
Capt Wayne Theunis from Goodwood police shared assistance available for victim support at the police station.
The NGO STOP (Stop trafficking of people) shared job vetting tools to help people vet jobs for free before they apply (this includes people applying for jobs overseas).
Caroline Peters from the Callas Foundation, a social services organisation, spoke about their work around supporting victims and efforts around advocacy for women.
The Salvation Army table shared assistance through the availability of a safe house for victims and a number to call when people need to find urgent help, which is 08000 73728.
‘We cannot fight the injustice alone’
Natalie Daniels from Fitmums came as an inspiration for women taking on business and changing their trajectory speaking into healthy living. Daniels led an energetic and engaging exercise session which got everyone dancing. It was great fun balanced with a message of hope for those who find themselves in the grip of these serious issues. “We cannot fight the injustice of GBV and human trafficking alone, such partnerships are invaluable in the fight for justice. We praise God for the opportunity to serve our community,” Daniels said.
Approximately 120 people participated.
Not here!
According to Dathini this was the first event of its kind in the community, “and we look forward to doubling these numbers next year. The more people hear the message the more the opportunities that we must reach women in need and to get the message out to our community.”
Children from six years and adults up to 80 years, people came with their families and brought friends.
Everyone came with toiletries that filled three 1,2 m boxes.
“We are grateful to the community for supporting the initiative.”
The Salvation Army wants to make this an annual event until they see the end of GBV in the immediate community. We want to see its end: “NOT HERE!” This will be our driving message moving into 2023.
The importance of partnership
Western Cape Minister of Infrastructure, Tertuis Simmers, shared a short message on the importance of working from the ground up to have a meaningful impact on the issues of GBV. He highlighted the importance of partnerships with all stakeholders such as NGOs, and the government working together to tackle these issues.
The minister walked the whole 3 km and participated in the talks and activities after the walk. It was great to have shared the time with him and his team. Ward councillor Cecile Janse van Rensburg donated a boerie roll and water for all who attended for the run or walk.
