In a resolute stand against the pervasive scourge of violence against women and children, the Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land, and Environmental Affairs (DARDLA), under guidance of its MEC, Busisiwe Shiba, led a significant build-up event to the upcoming 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse. This was held in Ward 1 in Diepdale.
This initiative, under stewardship of Cllr Mkumane of the Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality, set the stage for the imminent launch of the Activism Initiative. Other high profile attendees included the Department’s MMC Zulu, traditional leaders from the Ndlela chieftaincy, various ward councillors from Mpuluzi and municipal officials. This underscored the collective commitment to combatting the pressing issue of abuse. The message echoed loud and clear: “No Violence,” a daily call to action, resonating with all South Africans.
Shiba reiterated the Department’s multifaceted role in addressing violence by tackling poverty. By providing essential tools for food cultivation, the Department seeks to alleviate poverty, recognising its link to violence against women and children.
Emphasising their unequivocal stance against violence, DARDLA’s intervention has become a crucial aspect of their anti-abuse strategy.
Acknowledging the correlation between poverty and violence, the MEC stressed that when children lack food, it’s the women who bear the spiritual burden. To address this, the Department has identified two centres where household can obtain free starter packs aimed at enhancing food security.
Shiba also highlighted collaborative efforts with the Men’s Forum to combat violence. Visiting local areas in Diepdale, DARDLA’s provincial Department distributed tools for planting food, including a smart box, aimed at economically empowering the community.
In a plea to uphold environmental cleanliness, Shiba also urged the community to support the municipality in its waste management efforts. Encouraging recycling as a means of community cleaning and income generation, he emphasised the dual benefits of maintaining a clean environment while simultaneously supporting one’s livelihood.
As President Cyril Ramaphosa prepares to lead the formal launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Women and Children Abuse in Mbombela on November 25, the groundwork laid in Diepdale signalled a united front against abuse, poverty and environmental neglect.
