The Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) as an institution that actively advocates for the various economic and social causes, is joining the rest of the South African community in commemorating the 2016 Freedom Day. Led by Hon. Speaker Ntombi Mekgwe; and the Chairperson of the GPL Multi-Party Women’s Caucus Thokozile Magagula, the GPL will visit four shelters that care for unemployed women who are victims of abuse and are in need of food supplies. GPL will visit Ageng Nthabeleng Safe Heaven in Simunye; Polokego, Krugersdorp; and Women against Women Abuse, Toekomrus on Thursday, 28th April 2016.
The GPL delegation has scheduled the visits as follows:
Date & Time: Thursday, 28th April 2016 @ 09h30
Address 1: Are Ageng Nthabeleng Safe Heaven, Simunye (No 886- 7 Raikaga Street in Simunye opposite the Simunye Community Hall);
Address 2: Women against Women Abuse, Toekomrus (inside the Toekomrus Police Station); and
Address 3: Polokego Shelter for Abused Women, Krugersdorp (No 85 Commissioner Street in Krugersdorp, right next to the Home Affairs opposite the Krugersdorp Police Station).
The visits will be convened as part of GPL’s efforts to commemorate Freedom Day, with Mam Angie Diale invited to encourage and motivate the women to rise above the abuse and poverty. GPL’s Freedom Day agenda is aimed at advocating for complete access to freedom, which includes preserving the rights of all and alleviation from any form of discrimination such as sexism, racism, poverty, unemployment etc.
Freedom Day is a reminder for all South Africans to take a stand against the infringement of rights and abuse of marginalised groups. During the visits, GPL will also contribute to the sustainability of the shelters by handing out food parcels and establishing long term relations with them.
As part of Freedom Day commemoration, GPL is also running internal campaigns aimed at educating internal stakeholders on the significance of Freedom Day; educating internal and external stakeholders on the significance of voting and the freedom that comes with making decisions as a South African citizen; as well as creating a platform for internal and external stakeholders to interact with the IEC on electoral concerns.
GPL further encourages all Members of the Legislature (MPLs), staff and the general Gauteng public to verify their registration status at their local voting stations. This verification should be done prior to the 3rd August 2016, proclaimed by Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs as the date for the local government elections.
GPL has partnered with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC); Proudly South African; and the My Vote 2016 Campaign for the initiatives.
GPL is mandated by the Constitution of South Africa to promote public participation, improve access and involvement of the people of Gauteng in the daily running of the Province. GPL represents the voice of the people of Gauteng, as well as ensuring that oversight is conducted and laws are implemented and abided to.
For more information or interview queries, contact:
Ms Pfano Bulasigobo
Tel: 011 498 6381
Cell: 060 533 1982
E-mail: PBulasigobo@gpl.gov.za
