29 November 2010

The province of the Northern Cape joined the country on 25th November 2010 in officially launching the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children.

The significance of the day of the launch is because it is the International Day of No Violence Against Women. One of the key highlights of the programme was when children of Mmabana Crèche sang the national anthem. The performance was concluded through these children lighting their own candles with the message: My little light is in remembrance of those infected and affected by HIV/Aids.

The participation of the children was significant in that it placed a strong emphasis on the message of the Honourable Premier Ms Hazel Jenkins. In addressing the community of Gamagara and Olifantshoek in particular, Premier emphasized the importance of the creation of partnerships between all sectors of society. She indicated that through this partnership there will be maximum participation of communities within this (16 Days) and various other programmes.

The launch provides the platform for maximum mobilization of communities and various other sectors in the campaign of eradicating the abuse of women and children in our society. It (the launch) is in the main a call for action from communities to become actively involved in the various activities that will be embarked upon. The challenge is further for people to embark on innovative means in ensuring that the campaign of 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children achieve its objectives.

Premier Jenkins indicated that a key aspect of achieving success through the campaign is through active involvement of families. The campaign should serve as a mechanism of ensuring that our foundations are restored. Our methods of educating our children in the household have either a constructive or destructive impact on our communities. She called on families to change their behaviours and take into consideration the legacy that we leave especially for our children.

The community was also challenged regarding the revival of the culture of Ubuntu. Premier Jenkins indicated that the growth of a child is influenced through various factors and the destructive influence of a community has a negative influence on the growth of a child. She said that if the foundation that has been laid in the family is solid and proper, then the teachings of the community should compliment that foundation. This will further contribute positively towards the development of solid partnerships in the campaign.

The Premier, accompanied by various MEC’s, then conducted a candle lighting ceremony, which serves as a Torch of Peace. The torch of peace provides the link between the 16 Days of Activism campaign and the other major national campaigns, such as World Aids Day and International Day of Person’s with Disability. It is further in remembrance of the victims and survivors of the various forms of abuse. In lighting the candle, members of the Tsholofelo NGO performed a candle lighting dance.

The candle lighting ceremony was followed by a pledge signing commitment. The pledge signing took the form of various dignitaries making financial commitments. These contributions will be donated to an NGO, which is to be identified by the Premier. A pledge of commitment was also signed by members of the community. This pledge can be accessed by contacting Office on the Status of Women or by clicking on the 16 Days icon. In line with the theme of: “Don’t Look Away, Act against Abuse”; the call was made for society to speak out against abuse.

The Premier were accompanied by the MEC for Education, MEC for Environmental Affairs and Nature Conservation, MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison and MEC for Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development. Local Government was represented by the Speaker of John Taolo Gaetsewe District, the Mayor of Gamagara Municipality, the Mayor of Tsantsabane and various Councillors from Gamagara and Sol Plaatje Municipality.

• Launch of 16 Days of Activism Programme
• Speech by the Premier on occassion of 16 Days of activism