The community of Tamboville in Kariega saw the South African Police Service host a community outreach in their local community hall focused on 16 days of no violence against women and children to promote a safer festive session.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Deputy Mayor, Councillor Babalwa Lobishe, gave a keynote address in which she said, “We are not bold enough when it comes to helping the GBV victims.
16 days of activism was launched in 2008 and our efforts have not really sunk into the minds of perpetrators but we are not going to stop! I applaud SAPS for extending their hand even further to the community. Let us do our little bit that will address the bigger problem until we have conquered it.”
In the keynote address, Lobishe stressed that no child must endure any pain or any form of marginalization. She acknowledged the changes in policing pre-1994 as opposed to post- 1994 which finds the police now working hand in hand with communities. She referred to the original launch of 16 days of activism in 2008 by then President Motlanthe and the fact that they will not stop until all exploitation of victims has been eradicated.
In an unprecedented act of kindness and support, Corene Conradie working under the auspices of Gift of the Givers, identified a wheelchair -bound member of the community reliant on a chair in an extremely poor condition.
Conradie on the spot instructed that a wheelchair be taken from their truck and the member of the community be transferred to said wheelchair which still had to be removed from its wrapping.
The emotions and gratitude on the face of the community member brought tears to the eyes of everyone witnessing this incredible gift. This was an exemplary act of the mission statement of Gift of the Givers, which is aimed at restoring the hope and dignity of the most vulnerable in their time of need and rebuilding communities.
Major General Vuyisile Ncata dedicated the services of the SAPS in general, and the office of the District in particular, to working together and specifically intensifying working relationships with all stakeholders to eradicate the evil that is violence against women and children. Part of this commitment focused on more visible policing and more dedicated patrols within the communities we serve.
