Department Sports, Art and Culture Orange Day Program

The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture held their global Orange Day program at the Sandile Present Library in Upington today. The department confirmed that this initiative is a joint effort with the national government and ZF Mgcawu district municipality. The department says the program's objective is to initiate a call to action to raise awareness about gender-based violence and violence against women and girls. It also emphasized the importance of societal inclusion and respect for the rights of the LGBTIQ+ community. Sizake Shongwe, the Chief Director of Social Cohesion, Nation Building, and Target Groups, urged the community to combat GBV through even the smallest acts of service. Godfrey Mjezu, the District Manager of the Department of Social Development at his turn, pointed out the connection between violence against women and girls and substance abuse, noting that alcohol abuse significantly contributes to this issue. Mjezu committed to supporting the cause by running 25 kilometers on the 25th of August 2024 to raise awareness of gender-based violence. Furthermore, it was reported that facilities designated for GBV and substance abuse cases in the ZF Mgcawu district remain underutilized due to underreporting. The Upington community has been called to take personal initiative in instances where police support is inadequate. Mr. G Coetzee, Secretary of the Taxi Association, appealed for the justice system's support in addressing the issues of drinking and gambling at the local taxi rank. Another representative of the local taxi association said the following.....Insert - Taxi BoardApostle Petrus Goeieman, representative of PACUMFSA advised the community about the role churches play when it comes to GBV and violence against women and girl. Pastor Thembeka Mana who says she is also a survivor of GBV at her turn said the church does play its part in supporting victims GBV. Insert - ChurchMembers of the LGBTIQ+ community raised the importance of their place in society and how they should be included and understood, especially when it comes to case reporting due to violence...Insert - LGBTQActing District manager at the department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Jane Gudula, urged the different departments including the South African Police Service to set structure and regulations on helping victims of GBV and she also committed to the drafting of a program of action for different departments to play their part to combat Gender Based Violence and and Violence Against Woman and Girls.

Journalist: Shanice Jasson
Email: Intern9@riverside.co.za