PARKTOWN – Addressing the proliferation of crimes against women, children and vulnerable persons remains a top priority for police in Gauteng. Partnership policing plays a vital role in fighting the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

It is on this basis that MEC for Community Safety, Ms Faith Mazibuko and Gauteng Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela led a Provincial Youth Gender-Based Violence, Femicide (GBVF) and Crime Prevention Dialogue held at Moses Kotane Primary School in Dobsonville yesterday, 19 February 2022.

Lieutenant General Mawela welcomed MEC Faith Mazibuko, senior management of SAPS and other law enforcement agencies, distinguished guests and community members to the event and outlined the purpose of the Provincial Youth GBVF and Crime Prevention Dialogue. “Best way to reduce these crimes is through partnerships between the community and the police. Hence we have gathered here today to engage the youth and encourage them to be part of the solution to fighting gender-based violence and femicide,” said Lieutenant General Mawela.

Fondly known as “Tjovito” and “Mama Action”, MEC Faith Mazibuko delivered the Keynote Address during this event and reiterated the importance of empowering our youth, especially young women. “As the Gauteng Provincial Government, we have developed a response plan to deal with GBVF. We need to strengthen the justice system when dealing with GBVF cases,” said MEC Mazibuko.

Various panelists took part in the dialogue and pledged their messages of support. The discussion panel included representatives of the United Nations: Peace, Safety and Security, National Youth Crime Prevention Steering Committee, National Youth Development Agency, SAPS Junior Management Core, Agape Youth Movement, Central Drug Authority and Soweto District Community Policing Forum (CPF).

This platform created an opportunity for the youth in attendance to engage with the panellists on the various challenges regarding gender-based violence and femicide related matters. The Dialogue concluded with resolutions encouraging the youth to become actively involved to break the cycle of gender-based violence and femicide. Young people are also encouraged to keep the conversations on these topics going and to associate themselves with empowering role models.

Source: South African Police Service