Minister Zulu to hold dialogue on rape, sexual violence and learner pregnancy in Delft, Western Cape Province
In response to recent media reports on the high rates of learner pregnancy across the country, the Minister of Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Zulu in collaboration with Lulwazi Lwethu and Kwanele Foundation will embark on an outreach programme targeting high school learners in Delft, Western Cape Province.
The purpose of the dialogue is to create awareness around rape and sexual violence, encourage open discussion and effective community supportive networks for adolescents within the context of the National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Framework Strategy.
The recent SAPS crime statistics show that Delft, which is one of the 30 gender-based violence and femicide hotspots recorded the highest incidents of rape in the first quarter of 2021/2022. The intersection between gangs, drugs and gender-based violence means that rape and sexual violence has a daily presence in the life space of many learners who live in the area.
During the outreach programme, which forms part of build-up activities for the Social Development Month on 1 October, Minister Zulu will donate educational toys to local Early Childhood Development (ECD) facilities, face masks and sanitary towels to learners.
Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the programme scheduled as follows:
Distribution of educational toys
Date: Wednesday, 29 September 2021
Time: 15h00 -16h00
Venue: Albertina Sisulu Educare, 944 Debeza Street Browns Farm, Phillipi-Western Cape
Dialogue with learners on rape, sexual violence and learner pregnancy
Date: Thursday, 30 September 2021
Time: 09h00-10h00
Venue: Rosendaal High School, Delft - Western Cape
Members of the media can RSVP:
Sharlene Naiker
Cell: 082 673 5849
E-mail: SharleneN@dsd.gov.za
Nomfundo Xulu-Lentsoane
Cell: 066 480 6845
E-mail: NomfundoLe@dsd.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Lumka Oliphant
Cell: 083 484 8067
E-mail: LumkaO@dsd.gov.za
