In a historic and groundbreaking move, the launch of the Memeza GBV Reduction and Prevention Programme, funded through the FirstRand Empowerment Foundation took place yesterday, August 24, 2023, at the Victor Ndlazilwane Hall in Daveyton. The event saw the convergence of over 600 delegates, including luminaries from various sectors, demonstrating a unified commitment to combat Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and enhance crime prevention.

The Deputy Minister of Police, Mr. Cassel C. Mathale, and the Deputy Minister of Social Development, Mrs. Hendrieta Ipeleng Bogopane, graced the event with their presence. Their visit to the Daveyton Police station for a walk-through before the briefing highlighted the significance of this initiative.

Key speakers at the event included Dr. Phalane from the Civilian Secretariat for Police Services, who stressed the profound impact of GBV on individuals and communities, emphasizing the loss of income, family breakdown, and economic challenges. Dr. Phalane also highlighted the longstanding partnership between the Civilian Secretariat of Police and Memeza, which has extended tools to combat violence and crime to vulnerable individuals, particularly women and children. This collaboration aligns perfectly with the objective of eradicating GBV and crime.

Memeza Founder and Director, Mme Thuli Mthethwa, highlighted the rapid growth of response networks, facilitated through partnerships with private security entities such as AURA and SaferCity. Thuli underscored the power of alarm systems in reducing crime and expressed the need for more technology, including drones, in the fight against crime.

Mr. Masilele, CPF Gauteng Chair, stressed the importance of addressing GBV and crime through a combination of ecosystems, emphasizing the use of technology as an enabler. He commended Memeza's alarm systems as a positive deterrent and welcomed the transition to E-policing.

A poignant moment came when GBV survivor, Mrs. Reneilwa Mphahlele, shared her story of resilience. Her traumatic experience within her family home, where her seven-year-old son served as her inspiration, highlighted the urgent need for change.

Mr. Sam Hlambela, Branch Manager of FNB Daveyton Mall, representing the First Rand Empowerment Foundation, reiterated the organization's commitment to community support and safety, particularly for the girl child. He emphasized the importance of collective community action.

The event also witnessed the distribution of alarms to nurses and Victim Empowerment Shelters Programmes, though it was acknowledged that more shelters are needed to address the escalating violence and the shortage of adequate space and resources.

In closing, the launch of the GBV Reduction and Prevention Programme, coinciding with the BRICS summit, was viewed as a significant step in the fight against GBV. It was stressed that the root causes of GBV, included unemployment and economic instability, must be addressed to create lasting change. BRICS was seen as a beacon of hope for economic growth, with the potential to alleviate poverty and reduce GBV.

The event underscored the importance of collective action and partnerships in the battle against criminality, with a resounding message that victory over crime is only possible through unity.

This launch marks the beginning of a transformative journey towards a safer, more empowered South Africa.

#GBVReduction #CrimePrevention #CommunitySafety #BRICS #Partnerships #UnityAgainstCrime #FirstRandEmpowermentFoundation #MemezaShoutCommunitySafety

For media inquiries, pictures of the launch and further information, please contact: media@jtcomms.co.za or call 011 788 7632

Issued by JT Communication Solutions on Behalf of Memeza SHOUT Community Safety – www.memeza.co.za

For more information on Memeza

Website: www.memeza.co.za

Email: info@memeza.co.za