Minister Dlamini will make her second visit to the community of Kayammandi aimed at progressively dealing with the social challenges facing that community. During her first visit to the area in October 2013 Minister Dlamini focused on strengthening and capacitating non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Kayammandi in order to deal effectively with the socio-economic challenges facing the community.
This time she will introduce the recently launched #YOLOMovement to the community of Kayammandi. The #YOLOMovement is a behavioural change drive that takes direct aim at the key factors that affect the HIV incidence rates amongst the 15 – 24 age group, including early sexual debut, transactional sex, multiple concurrent sexual partners, as well as alcohol and substance abuse and its contribution to irresponsible behaviour.
During recent engagements with the residents of Kayammandi, Social Development has found that there is high prevalence of drug abuse among young people in the area, which contributes to irresponsible behavior and leads to teenage pregnancies, the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted illnesses, school drop outs and crime.
Tik has been found to be drug of choice among the young people in this area.
Other persistent challenges which were raised by concerned residents who participated in community dialogues with the department were a lack of housing, high unemployment levels and illiteracy amongst young persons.
Minister Dlamini has said that the strengthening of families must be at the centre of all efforts to address social challenges. She will therefore also use the community imbizo to talk to parents about their responsibilities and how the Department can assist them in providing guidance and support to young people.
As the country continues to observe the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Child Abuse, Minister Dlamini will use the event further to highlight the importance of teaching young boys to value and respect women as well as educate the community at large on supporting victims of gender based violence.
The Department of Social Development operates the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) – a 24-hour call centre dedicated to providing support and counselling to victims of gender-based violence.
The toll-free number to call for assistance is 0800 428 428 (0800 GBV GBV). Callers can also request a social worker from the Command Centre to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover Kayammandi Imbizo, planned as follows:
Date: Tuesday, 8 December 2015
Time: 12h00
Venue: Kayammandi Sports Field, Stellenbosch - Western Cape Province
Media can RSVP by contacting:
Jaconia Kobue
Cell: 073 026 1111
E-mail: jaconiak@dsd.gov.za
Justice Ditshego
Cell: 079 497 7426
E-mail: justiced@dsd.gov.za
Media inquiries may be forwarded to:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: lumkao@dsd.gov.za
