POLOKWANE – On Friday 16 September 2022, the Provincial Commissioner of Limpopo Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe joined by the Brigadier Manganyi honoured the SAMANCO Chrome Mine Women’s celebration at Winterveldt Club in Steelpoort under Burgersfort policing area.
The event commenced with a spiritual sermon intending to plea for divine intervention to eliminate gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) rendered by the Sekhukhune District Employee Health and Wellness (EHW) Chaplain, Warrant Officer Thobejane. She outlined the preliminary and negative outcomes of GBV irrespective of gender and status quo.
Secondly, Ms Elsie Mashishi, ECM SHEG welcomed and acknowledged the honourable guests followed by Mrs Christina Mashamaite Champion of (Tokoloso Organisation) who introduced the guests and outlined the purpose of the day.
Priscilla Metsi was the Program Director of the day who welcomed everyone according to their protocols respectively.
During the celebrations, the Limpopo SAPS Jazz Band entertained the women who evidently displayed pleasure through their dancing skills.
The event was graced by the presence of a Motivational speaker, Psychologist and Senior Manager of the mine, Mr Mpho Motsei who rendered words of encouragement. He further emphasized the obstacles and marriage complexities in relation to GBV from his personal and sociological perspective.
Moreover Mrs Deborah Makola Logistical Manager advised the women to empower themselves academically in progression of their career development.
Numerous speakers were also offered an opportunity to make presentations related to Women Empowerment, Advance Gender Sensitivity in the Mining Environment and Harassment in the working place.
Provincial Head of Financial Services, Brigadier Manganyi introduced the keynote speaker, Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe who encouraged the women to blow the whistle against GBV.
“Do not commit yourself in an abusive relationship or marriage. You should rather walk away in order to spare your life,” Lt Gen Hadebe advised the masses.
“Most people choose to be hurt because of their ego and it is a great concern” she lamented. She also quoted the missing woman who was recently killed by her boyfriend in the Burgersfort policing area as a reference. In addition, General Hadebe gave an overview of her personal life and career to motivate the women about discipline and hard work.
Withdrawal of cases opened against the (GBV) perpetrators by the victims were strongly condemned including emotional and financial abuse experienced by the victims.
“If all of us were police officials, do you think that we would experience crime? Absolutely not, because crime consist of opportunity, victim and a perpetrator. So please ladies close that opportunity to avoid being a victim of the perpetrator”. She asked the women to never look or turn their backs when they see other women suffering and experiencing abuse from the partners.
“Unity is strength, let’s unite and work together to make South Africa a better and crime free nation for all the citizens” as she concluded her presentation.
After the address, Ms Elsie Mashishi Ferrochrome Mine Manager presented the awards to the deserving employees who displayed passion and commitment while rendering their services at the mine.
Source: South African Police Service