Uncovering the Truth About Abuse

Left: Ntate Matela, Magaret Phaswane and Phillip Mofokeng of the Bekkersdal Renewal Project Right: Members of the Asibavikele Child Welfare Programme

The Bekkersdal Development Hub was the scene of many community activities during the national Sixteen Days of Activism Campaign. The campaign, which took place from 25 November to 10 December, aims to promote awareness about the abuse of women and children. During the commemoration of this campaign in Bekkersdal, the Development Hub overflowed with the Who’s Who of showbiz, children from different schools, the Bekkersdal Renewal Project (BRP) team and many community and government stakeholders.

Tsepiso Moloi, Bekekrsdal Renewal Project Manageri

Ms Tsepiso Moloi, Project Manager for the Bekkersdal Renewal Project, extended a warm welcome to all the guests. She also delivered the keynote address, explaining the purpose of the event. Local poet and writing trainer, Mr Velaphi Zama, highlighted the issues about the abuse of women and children in his poem “Cry No More”.

Ms Nhlanhla Nciza, owner and designer of the clothing label La Vintage and former Mafikizolo lead vocalist, had the place on fire as everybody danced to her funky music. The stage performance was dazzling; the dancers really know how to ‘sika-lekhekhe’.

Among the guests was Ms Lillian Dube, TV Personality and cancer survivor, who had come to motivate the community of Bekkersdal. She said women had the power to influence the community in either a positive or a negative way because they have the most authority over the upbringing of their children. She also encouraged others to participate in the Take a Girl Child to School initiative, so that the girls can grow into fully independent women.

Community members who participated in the event

	Velaphi Zama, poet and writing training in the BRP

The sophisticated, glamorous and drop dead gorgeous Ms Khanyisile Mbau made generous donations of clothing, shoes and a microwave to the Ikageng Shelter. Gospel diva and song bird Margaret Motshage wrapped up the the occasion with her wonderful music and gave away two copies of her new CD. Children from the Tsholofelo Educare Centre wowed the crowd with their wonderful dance performance.

Crisselda Kananda, HIV/AIDS activist, motivational speaker and Metro FM Talk Show host encouraged the audience with these words: “No matter what happens to you, never stop loving and respecting yourself. Accept yourself and appreciate yourself as you are.” Kananda has suffered many terrible ordeals throughout her life, including rape and a miscarriage – and then she found out she was HIV positive. But even after all this, she maintains an amazingly positive attitude. She derives her strength from her belief in God. She sounded every bit like a professional dietician as she encouraged the audience on healthy living. Kananda adheres to a healthy diet and an active lifestyle and exercises regularly.

Youth entertainment groups from Bekkersdal

David Molebatsi, Chairperson of the Bekkersdal Development Forum, takes a stand

The Chairperson of the Bekkersdal Community Policing Forum, Mr Eddy Matiomola Mashaile, said thebrutal violence against foreign women which occurred earlier in the year on the East Rand of Gauteng, left many children vulnerable as a result of their parents’ death.

Where to from here? There is no quick solution. A deeper understanding of equality and the ideal of human rights need to be instilled in the minds of all South Africans. And that may take a long time. The 16 Days of Activism Campaign has played an important role in educating both the men and women of Bekkersdal about human rights, and specifically the rights of women and children who are the most vulnerable in society.

[ What's New | News Archive ]