SALDANHA BAY MUNICIPALITY GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AWARENESS LAUNCH AND SIXTEEN DAYS OF ACTIVISM PROGRAMME

Saldanha Bay Municipality (SBM) utilising the whole of society approach (WoSA) that included  the West Coast District Municipality (WCDM), South African Police Services (SAPS), the Western Cape Government – Social Development and other stakeholders, launched its Gender Based Violence awareness campaign on 25 November 2020 to coincide with the national 16-Days of Activism Programme.

The event was hosted at the White City Multipurpose Centre in Saldanha. Keynote Speakers were the Executive Mayors of the WCDM and SBM, Alderman Harold Cleophas and Alderman Marius Koen, who delivered strong messages in support of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) awareness campaign.  In his address Captain van Reenen from the local SAPS appealed to citizens to work together in the fight against GBV. Where incidents of violence are reported, victims must be treated with respect and dignity.  The guests further received powerful messages from Ms L Goliath from the Department of Justice and testimonials from an ex-offender as well as a speaker who attested to her surviving a GBV-related crime.

Dignitaries, including Saldanha Bay Municipality Councillors, were given an opportunity to sign the Pledge Against Gender-Based Violence. After the formalities, guests progressed to an area opposite the Saldanha SAPS offices where Executive Mayor, Alderman Koen unveiled the specially commissioned mural in commemoration of the GBV campaign.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign (16 Days Campaign) is a United Nations campaign which takes place annually from 25 November (International Day of No Violence against Women) to 10 December (International Human Rights Day).

Given the scourge of Gender-Based violence in the country, Government is implementing the Emergency Response Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide, which was announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa in September 2019. The 16 Days Campaign forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

Together, let us take actions to support the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.