EC Majodina calls for adhererance to Ubuntu values by all communities

Poverty, unemployment and substance abuse were some of the issues that were raised by members of Sada Township that causes family disfunctionity. These were raised during the commemoration of International Day of Families held in Sada Township, Whittlesea outside Queenstown.

But MEC for Social Development and Special Programmes Pemmy Majodina appealed to all community members to adhere to Ubuntu values if they are to build strong families. These values, according to Majodina, include love, care and respect to all, including people outside a family unit.

This commemoration is held on 15 May on every year to recognise and further strengthen families. “Rape of a niece by an uncle or rape of a daughter by a father, alcohol abuse and disrespect are some of the factors that are cause of family disjoint,” Majodina said. She also appealed to mothers to care about their daughters. “Don’t sell out your daughters to your husbands in order to stay at your marriages,” she appealed.

MEC Majodina suggested that there is a need for the establishment of a youth centre where youth would engage and share developing ideas for government to financially assist them. She also said that there is a need for a family resource centre where families would receive professional assistance to strengthen their families. “We would also work hand in hand with South African Police Services (SAPS) to regulate reasonable operating times for legal liquor stores and close those that are operating illegally,” Majodina added.

One of the concerned members of the community members when the platform was open for engagement was Gcobisa Masingili who was speaking on behalf of people with disability. She said they have many challenges as some of their family members treat them as outsiders because of their disability. “We get abused sexually, physically and mentally by our own family members because of our disabilities. They say we are useless. They only care for you when you get a disability grant from government. We want them to treat us as humans because we are humans”, she said, to the applause of the audience.

Nyika Machenjedze from FAMSA said the family is the nucleus of society, and when it weakens or crumbles the stability of the entire community is adversely affected. “It is thus imperative to initiate and coordinate resources to maintain a healthy and happy family life.” he said.

Prior to the main event, MEC Majodina also led the her team to Sijongaphambili Senior Secondary School where the Department handed over 10 computers, 20 school uniform, 81 sanitary towels and 34 study guides for all subjects. The MEC pronounced her adoption of the school where she said the department will establish a TADA group (Teenagers Against Drug Abuse) to fight the use of drugs in the area, and the adoption of a student who pass matric with exemption to receive social work bursary.