MEC NOMANDLA BLOEM

JCPS PUBLIC EDUCATION

03 MAY 2023

Programme Director

Executive Mayor of Sol Plaatje Municipality, Councilor KD Sonyoni

Northern Cape Police Commissioner Lt Gen Koliswa Otola

CPF Chairperson Mr Molapo

District Youth Crime Prevention Committee Chairperson Ms B Thompson

Senior Managers, Unit and Programme Heads with their wonderful presentations

Religious and Community Leaders

Young people and members of the community

We were here today to create a platform for people, especially young people, of the Galeshewe community to talk about community safety issues that affect them. We do this of course, not for its own sake, but to see how we as the different spheres of government can coordinate resources and programmes to address those things that make us feel unsafe

Most importantly, these are the places where some of the stories get faces and context. If we are honest with ourselves we must realize that sometimes, behind that same desk year after year, community lived realities as they are reported failed to generate a picture, a feel, an urgency. I believe there is no greater honouring of stories and accounts of public experience than getting it from them.

Again, not stories or reports and accounts for their own sake, but so that our understanding of community dynamics broaden and we are able to return with greater clarity and resolve at solving those problems. We had great presentations from the Departments on the services they render, processes work and how and where to look for what help. We are grateful for these. An informed people means we know what to ask for, how processes work but also, importantly, how we can take hands.

It is incumbent upon all of us to stand together in our national effort to ensure justice, lasting peace and development for our country, all its people and future generations. Gender-based violence in all its manifestation and the culture of rape within communities is an impediment to all of these imperative social endeavors and thus, must be defeated.

The Community of Galeshewe in Kimberley is experiencing an increase of violent crime where women and children remains primarily victims and are continuously sexually assaulted. It has also been established that community members within the policing precinct does not understand the chain of criminal justice cluster.

This has been evident with the questions raised during the Ministerial Imbizo which was held on 26 March 2022, and again now, in our effort to follow up and broaden our scope of what challenges are. This is also why we are here.

It is true that crimes against women and children remain a concern, despite various initiatives by Government, the Department and other relevant stakeholders, to curb this scourge. In some ways, it is as if we just do not know what to do.

We envision safer spaces where children laugh and women move around safely at home just as well as at work, a world where we respect and honour each other and affirm our individual and collective states of existence as valid and a real and necessary part of the beauty of the South African landscape – but where to start?

We have started here today with knowing and understanding. We need to see the face of GBV where and how it happens and engage with various government departments of the services they offer and processes in accessing such services and problems to the Ministry of Police on GBV matters, police related service, social and crime problems.

It is not my role but allow me to thank our sister departments and stakeholders who have made such valuable contributions to this event. We are keen to walk this road with you and pay attention to each and every issue and challenge that has surfaced today with the gravity it deserves.

 

It is my understanding, PC, that a report of these proceedings will be drawn up, not only to inform the shape of our strategic partnerships, but also to shape our way forward.

Let us all take hands and renew our commitment to the fight against gender based violence and the crime that breaks not only our people but our local economies.

It has been such an honour and pleasure to be here today.

I thank you