On Saturday, 22 November 2014, the 16th anniversary of the United Nations’ 16 Days of Activism Campaign was launched countrywide. The aim of this campaign is to create awareness about the on-going war against women and children in South Africa.
This is also an opportunity for all role-players to become activists and highlight all the services which are on offer for people throughout the year.
Last week, Minister Dan Plato and I highlighted the objectives of the Western Cape Government for this campaign. All government departments including the South African Police Service are coming together to:
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has focused on the Western Cape Government’s ‘Create a Culture of Respect’ theme and, with the help of local celebrities, are officially launching our ‘Respect’ campaign.
One of the biggest challenges campaigns such as the 16 Days of Activism face is the lack of continuity. Often, efforts surrounding it are not sustained beyond the 16 day window.
We as the Western Cape Government believe that with the help of all role players in our society such parents, civil society, traditional leaders and role models, we can create a sustainable culture where we respect and protect one another.
And this pledge and campaign is the first of many steps to achieve this goal.
I would like to thank each and every one of these people who have taken time of their busy schedules to do something incredible for South Africa and the people of the Western Cape, particularly:
They will use their influence in each field to effect change and speak to people across the province.
This campaign is a plea to the people of the Western Cape to ‘Create a Culture of Respect’ and take a stand against the abuse of the most vulnerable people in our society, and we encourage the rest of the province to join us.
Siviwe Gwarube
Spokesperson for Minister Mbombo
Tel: 021 483 9800/ 076 055 6280
E-mail: Siviwe.Gwarube@westerncape.gov.za