In an effort to raise awareness on sexual offences or gender based violence, the North West Department of Human Settlements, Public Safety & Liaison is to host a stakeholders workshop to be held on Wednesday, 23 February 2011. The one day workshop is to be held at the Mmabatho Civic Centre as from 09h00.
According to the Acting MEC for the department, Dr. Magome Masike, the objective of the workshop is to promote the integrated provincial strategy to prevent and combat sexual offences to stakeholders within the Mahikeng Local municipality for adoption and implementation. The 2009/10 crime statistics have revealed that Mahikeng Cluster had recorded 21% in total sexual offences and 20% in rape offences during the past financial year.
The Crime Prevention Directorate of the Department of Human Settlements, Public Safety & Liaison, the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority and Ex Prisoners against Crime and Abuse (EPACAA) will make presentations on the integrated provincial strategy to prevent and combat sexual offences, programmes and projects regarding prevention and combating of sexual offences, Thuthuzela Care Centre Models and Ex Offenders Sexually Abused children.
Stakeholders who have confirmed participation include Mahikeng Local Municipality councillors and officials, traditional leaders, representatives of the Mahikeng Community Policing Forum, Departments of Correctional Service, Home Affairs, Agriculture, Labour, provincial Departments of Health and Social Development, Basic Education, Ratlou Local AIDS Council, community development workers (CDWs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Life Line, New Start, Gogo Getters, Churches, Home Based Cares and other faith based organisations.
The provincial Department of Human Settlements, Public Safety & Liaison is the lead department that has driven the process towards the adoption of the Integrated Provincial Strategy to Prevent and Combat Sexual Offences. The initiative is a sequel to the National Anti-Rape Strategy, a strategy adopted by Cabinet in 2000 in response to the alarming rate of rape in the country.
Enquiries:
Lesiba Moses Kgwele (Departmental Spokesperson)
Tel: 018 381 9171
Cell: 083 629 1987
Fax: 018 381 9123
E-mail: Lkgwele@nwpg.gov.za
