Gauteng Department of Social Development (GDSD) hosted an Awareness Campaign against domestic violence through Indigenous Sport Activities at Khutsong Sports Complex in the West Rand last Wednesday.

The campaign took place as part of 16 Days of Activism opposing violence against women and children. The 16 Days of Activism Campaign is held from 25 November to 10 December every year. However, the success of this campaign rests on collective actions to safeguard the society against this cycle of abuse.

The campaign serving as the main social mobilization tool against the prevalence of acts of abuse against women and children, has grown exponentially, making it the second most known government event in South Africa, after the State of the Nation Address (GCIS Tracker Survey: 2008).

The Department of Social Development’s Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP), raised awareness of “NO ABUSE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN” through sports activities in collaboration with the community of Khutsong in Merafong Municipality, local Victim Empowerment Organizations, Faith Based Organizations, Department of Sports and Recreation, local NGOs and other inter-departmental organizations.

Community members participated in soccer, netball, body building, aerobics, Indegenous games (recreational bag, kgathi, mathini, intsuba, diketo) and board games (chess and morabaraba).

oitumelo Nku, Social Worker in the West Rand said, “The most memorable moment was self-defense demonstration and most of the women gained knowledge on how to defend themselves. We are appealing to the community members to help government in the fight against abuse”, said Nku.

Source: Gauteng Province