FREE STATE – The SAPS and the Lejweleputswa District Youth Crime Prevention Desk successfully launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in Phomolong, Hennenman, on 27 November.
The closing vote of thanks was delivered by Yolandi Marman, Chairperson of the Hennenman Youth Desk, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, youth participants, organisers, and law enforcement partners. She reaffirmed the commitment of youth structures to continue advocating for safer, healthier communities.
Creative human rights initiative
Creative Human Rights InitiativeThe event, themed “A Creative Human Rights and Wellness Roadshow,” brought together over 100 young people, multiple community safety stakeholders, faith-based organisations, and youth structures from across the district.
Festivities officially commenced at approximately 09:00 at the Phomolong Clinic, marking the start of a comprehensive programme that combined formal addresses, spiritual reflection, community mobilisation, and a symbolic 3km youth-led walk against violence, crime, and social ills.
The programme was skilfully directed by Tshediso Maile from the Ventersburg Youth Desk, who established the tone for a day centred on youth voices, safety advocacy, and community unity.
Spiritual and community foundation
The event opened with a spiritually grounding devotion led by Bishop Mokola, reminding the audience of the moral duty to protect women, children, and vulnerable groups within society.
A warm welcome was delivered by the Hennenman Community Policing Forum (CPF) chairperson, who emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts between the community, youth, and law enforcement in combating gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).
Nyalleng Moloi from the Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport outlined the day’s objectives, stressing the role of mobile awareness campaigns and creative engagements as tools to educate communities on safety, well-being, and human rights.
Powerful personal testimonies
A series of heartfelt and informative support messages followed:
- Tseleng Lebete from ENGO addressed child protection issues and support mechanisms for vulnerable minors
- Mojabeng Tsubella, a survivor of sexual offences, shared her empowering journey of resilience, inspiring young people to speak out against abuse
- Dimakatso Malifane from Women in Positive Against HIV/AIDS spoke about the intersection of GBVF and HIV, encouraging responsible choices and community compassion
- SAPS Lejweleputswa District Youth Coordinator highlighted police efforts to engage young people in crime-prevention initiatives
These contributions reinforced the central message of collective responsibility in the fight against violence.
Community mobilisation walk
A major highlight was the 3km awareness walk through Phomolong. This energetic roadshow mobilised youth and community leaders to spread vital information on:
- GBVF awareness and reporting
- Drug and gang prevention
- Human trafficking dangers and victim protection
Over 110 information pamphlets were disseminated to community members during the outreach.
Community engagement during the walk was strengthened by Pule Mpemvani from the Hennenman CPF. Neighbouring police stations—Welkom, Bronville, and Boshof—also joined the initiative, showcasing district-wide solidarity.
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Strong youth participation
The event attracted over 100 young people from across the district. Notable guests included Free State Youth Desk Chairperson Nkosinathi Lala and Lejweleputswa District Youth Desk Chairperson Sam Nyombani.
Youth coordinators and their respective structures from Hennenman, Ventersburg, Theunissen, Verkeerdevlei, and Winburg formed part of the organising and support teams.
The day was enriched by participation from several community-based and social support organisations:
- Hennenman Victim Empowerment
- Seitshereletsong Social Services
- South African Men Action Group (SAMAG)
- ENGO Family Care Sisterhood
- Department of Community Safety, Roads and Transport
- Spiritual Crime Prevention
- Independent Order of True Templars (Jehova Nissi No.20)
- Hennenman Community Patrollers
Their collective presence demonstrated a united front against GBVF and social ills.
Commitment to Continue
The closing vote of thanks was delivered by Yolandi Marman, Chairperson of the Hennenman Youth Desk, who expressed gratitude to all stakeholders, youth participants, organisers, and law enforcement partners. She reaffirmed the commitment of youth structures to continue advocating for safer, healthier communities.
Lejweleputswa District Youth Activation initiative was a resounding success, effectively launching the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in the district. Through speeches, spiritual guidance, awareness campaigns, and community mobilisation, the event reinforced the shared vision of a society free from violence, fear, and oppression.
The youth have spoken—loudly and proudly—calling for action, accountability, and unity in the fight against gender-based violence.
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