Caption: MEC Moeketsi addressing the community members
By Lwazi Raul-Shongwe and Kopano Dibakwane
Mpumalanga MEC for the Department of Social Development, Khethiwe Moeketsi, recently attended the Women’s Parliament feedback session on Select Committee on Public Participation, Petition at Verena(Thembisile Hani Local Municipality), aimed at reporting on the implementation of resolutions of the previous parliament.
The Department said, in a statement, that the resolutions included the implementation of programmes that raise awareness on Gender Based Violence(GBV), which will be implemented in all municipalities across the province.
It was revealed during the meeting that a total of 1152 awareness campaigns were conducted in the 2022/23 financial year, and 40 718 persons were reached through Social Crime Prevention and Awareness programmes.
“ We work with our Non Profit Organisations(NPOs) in the fight against GBV. There are 23 Victim Support Centres inclusive of the 2 shelters managed by the department(Louisville and Leseding Victim Support Centres) across the 3 Districts. They provide psychological support, sheltering and prevention services,” said the Department.
Another resolution includes the implementation of social behaviour programmes promote self-respect, self-care and respect for others.
“ We educate boy children on issues such as relationships and respect for women in all municipalities. We collaborate with other organisations such as Men Championing Change to address issues of patriarchy,” the Department said.
It was also revealed that a Boys Assembly for about 100 boys between the ages of 13 and 18 years was hosted in February 2024.
“ The Boys Assembly forms part of the strategy to educate boys about their role and responsibilities towards females and how to treat them with respect,” the Department concluded.
MEC Moeketsi was accompanied by MEC Nompumelelo Hlophe (Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs) and MEC Thulasizwe Thomo (Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport).
