Education remains an important weapon in the fight to end violence against women and children
The incidents of abuse and violence that continue to send shockwaves across the country are symptomatic of a sick society and demonstrate the greater need for various sectors of society to join hands in eradicating this evil.
This was the consensus of all the speakers as Minister in the Presidency responsible for Women, Ms Susan Shabangu today, a day before the State of the Nation Address, visited Glendale Secondary School in Mitchells Plain and Masiphumelele township in Fish Hoek as part of the #365Days of Activism drive.
At Masiphumelele Minister Shabangu together with the provincial commissioner at the Department of Correctional Services Delekile Klaas, head of Crime Line Yusuf Abrmjee and other leaders handed over various projects. These included the establishment of playing grounds, community vegetable garden, maintenance of infrastructure (plumbing, electrical and carpentry), refurbishment of school furniture, cleaning of school premises and the setting up of a cricket training area at the school. The projects are being executed through offender labour and parolees and involve multiple departments.
The Minister used the opportunity to urge community members to be vocal on service delivery issues and to work hand in hand with government to better their lives. She called on the community to join the fight to eradicate violence against women and children and rid society of all forms of substance abuse eating away our societies.
Earlier at Glendale Shabangu said institutions of learning, especially schools are an important component in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children. “Many a schools are grappling with a number of social ills and challenges such as; bullying, substance abuse, high rate of teenage pregnancy, peer pressure, ill-discipline etc. Our constitution under the Bill of Rights seeks to reinforce the value of Ubuntu and respect for fellow human beings. We need to inculcate this within our school curriculum and culture.”
She called on learners to realise that as they are future leaders, this means being positive role models to one another, standing up for what is right and not pressurise each other to do wrong things saying leaders are people who value education and recognise that it is a weapon to fight all social ills.
Learners at Glendale Secondary School received pencil cases with stationery and leaflets to communicate the #365Days message and to emphasise the importance of education.
The #365Days of Activism aims at mobilising members of society and organisations across all sectors in the fight to eradicate violence against women and children. On the 11th of December 2014, a day after the 2014 16 Days of Activism campaign ended the Department of Women together with Crime Line activated the #365Days of Activism.
Minister Shabangu has appealed to all sectors of society to participate in the #365Days initiative and join hands by committing to do all in their power to ensure the fight to eradicate violence against women and children is an everyday fight.
For enquiries contact:
Motalatale Modiba
Cell: 072 515 3022
E-mail: Motalatale.Modiba@women.gov.za
