Carlo Petersen
A GROUP of local celebrities are keen to do their bit to create awareness about abuse against women and children in South Africa.
The nine sport stars, comedians and actors are joining the provincial government to launch “Respect”, which is part of the UN’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign that started on Saturday.
Yesterday, Proteas and Cape Cobras cricketer Rory Kleinveldt, Banyana Banyana footballer Leandra Smeda and actress and gender-based violence activist Andrea Dondolo joined hands with six other celebrities and the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport to sign a pledge to highlight the issue.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Nomafrench Mbombo said: “As government we believe that with the help of all roleplayers in our society, such as parents, civil society, traditional leaders and role models, we can create a sustainable culture where we respect and protect one another.
“This pledge and campaign is the first of many steps to achieve this goal. This will not be a hit-and-run campaign.
“We will be visiting communities and working with the youth, both men and women, to eradicate abuse against women and children in society.
“Enough is enough. We want to encourage respect in our families and these roleplayers are prepared to do what they can to encourage this. Respect starts in the home.”
Kleinveldt, whose wife is due to give birth in March, and national wheelchair racer and handcyclist Ernst van Dyk, a father-of-two, said being part of the campaign had special meaning to them.
“With me preparing to be a father, issues of child and women abuse are close to my heart. It’s great to be part of something that can spread awareness,” said Kleinveldt.
Van Dyk said: “We have a role to play as fathers and as people who get looked up to in the communities. When we engage with others in every aspect of our lives, we must always encourage respect for others.”
The Western Cape Religious Leaders Forum (WCRLF) has also pledged to support the international 16 Days of Activism Campaign.
WCRLF director Elizabeth Petersen said: “In South Africa a woman is raped every 36 seconds and the majority of women who are assaulted know the perpetrator.
“Our religious organisations have an obligation to focus on generating an increased awareness of the negative impact of violence on women and children, and to engage actively with men and boys in the discourse about combating violence in our homes, our communities and in the workplace.
“Gender-based and child violence, in all its different forms, devalues human dignity,” Petersen said.
“We would like to urge faith leaders to equip themselves and use the faith- based resources offered in collaboration with other civil society organisations to bring about change.”