Men from the community along with various departments including the SAPS converged on 24 October 2021 from 08:00 – 13:00 at the Herschel Mountain outside the small town.

The agenda of the day for the Imbizo was: “What is our position as MEN in relation to gender base violence and Femicide?”

The event was opened with a prayer.

The Imbizo were well attended by the various role players including: Chief Koena (Bakoena), Chief Sgonyela (Batlokoa), SAPS Men For Change Structure from the District and Provincial level, SAPS Junior Management Core, Zone 2 station commanders: Captain Magidela; Capt Malgas; Capt Gade, Acting Detective commander of Lady Grey: Sgt Zingitwa and Zone 3 station commander: Captain Booi, SAPS Stations: Sterkspruit; Palmietfontein; Phumalanga; Lady Grey external

Stakeholders from Health and Correctional Centre and the Community of Herschel at large.

The programme of the day included the following important issues-

• Communities were sensitized to work together with the police to sort out the social and criminal issues.

• The establishment of Community Forums was suggested to enhance Community policing and the identification of the early development stages of social problems. Sgt Khoba SAPS, Joe Gqabi Deputy Chairperson for men for Change and the Provincial representative of the same structure Sgt Kodwa encouraged the forming up of a structure for men in the community that can be aligned to the Men for Change structure.

• Presentations were also done by Mr Majenge from Social Development that spoke on the abuse of woman and children and Sgt Ntoyi the SAPS, JMC Chairperson for Joe Gqabi on the Cyber Crime Act, vigilantism targeting of woman headed households as well as domestic violence and firearms.

• The issue of initiation procedures was discussed in broad spectrum by Mr Methusi from the Dept of Health.

• Issues of gender-based violence was discussed and questions of concern were raised.

• A pledge was read out loud to sensitize all male structures. It was acknowledged by all present.

Chief Koena and Chief Sgonyela appreciated the success of the event where after the programme concluded with a prayer.

Source: South African Police Service