Raphael Wolf
RESIDENTS of Khayelitsha marched through the township on Monday to raise awareness about violence against women and children.
The annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign runs until December 10.
Youth brigades and musicians performed for the marchers at the YA park in Site B.
Resident Monica Kamana welcomed the march,
saying people needed to be made aware of the impact of crime. “There is a lot of crime here. Children as young as 10 and 11 smoke,” she said.
“Others rob people here in the day and night. I think this is helping against crime because our children also joined in the march.”
Hip hop and R&B artist Deen Louw also marched and performed on stage. He said it was important to contribute to the development of youth and highlight issues of women and child abuse.
Community Safety, Health and Social Development MECs Dan Plato, Nomafrench Mbombo and Albert Fritz hosted and led the march.
Plato said the march was important in bringing the message of the 16 Days of Activism to communities.
Fritz said: “The reason for the different departments doing this campaign together is that we are sick and tired of hearing that another girl, a boy or woman has been raped.”