Various speakers spoke on gender-based violence, especially against women, which is rife in South Africa at a Women’s Day event hosted by Suretha van Dyk, a police officer, on Saturday 7 September at the Caledon PPC (Pentecostal Protestant Church).
Leigh-Ann Baaliah, a survivor of many years of violence and abuse, was the keynote speaker.
In an emotional, yet very motivating, talk she shared the story of her journey from victim to survivor.
Sergeant Tembinkosi Gweyi, social-crime prevention officer and coordinator of the police’s spiritual crime-prevention programme, and no stranger to the Caledon community, also spoke.
He said it was his calling to help the community and he urged people to assist victims of domestic violence.
A first step against domestic violence often entails getting a protection order against the abuser.
As many people did not know how this works Tandeka Gweyi of the Caledon Magistrates’ Court explained the process in detail.
Entertainment by various musicians was provided between speeches and there was also a lucky draw with lovely prizes for guests.
Refreshments were served after the speeches.
Every guest received a goodie bag with snack pack, which also included relevant contact numbers as well as a poignant poem written by Leigh-Ann Baaliah.
It reads as follows:
“Sisters, pick up the pieces of shattered hopes and dreams, the pieces left of a broken soul …
Use the rocks people hurled at you, those meant to kill and destroy, build a palace, a castle, a fortress, build a life.
You are so much more than the abuse and abuser.
You are more than enough.
Spread your wings and fly.”
. Contact numbers: Sergeant Gweyi, Caledon Police: 028 214 3900/28/29; Tandeka Gweyi, Caledon Magistrates’ Court: 028 212 1076.
