Action Society partnered with the Mitchells Plain Network Opposing Abuse, where we hosted a White Prayer Day for 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.
The two organisations, including the Lentegeur Sector 2 Neighbourhood Watch members, gathered at the Mitchells Plain Magistrates Court. Here a wreath-laying ceremony was held for those who have lost their lives due to gender-based violence and crime, and several doves were released outside the court.
Dressed in white, we then made our way to Muizenberg, where another ceremony was held.
Action Society’s Kaylynn Palm said the annual event aims to raise awareness around the issue of domestic and gender-based violence – prevalent in the country.
According to the latest crime statistics, almost all crime in South Africa increased during the last three months (between July and September), with a combined increase of 18,5% for all contact crimes, including murder, sexual offences and robbery.
“GBV has turned into the second pandemic we are facing in South Africa – and we have had enough. In November, we heard the shocking statistics announced by police minister Bheki Cele. During the first nine months of this year, 864 children and 2 742 women were killed, and over 10 thousand people were raped during the last three months,” she said.
“We cannot allow this to continue day after day, week after week and month after month. As Action Society, we believe that SAPS management needs to be restructured and replaced if we want to see any improvement.”
