Kwa-Thema – One Strong Voice hosted a GVBF lecture on Tuesday to educate the community on how they can contribute to the fight against violence.
“We aim to invite the relevant departments because our community lacks important information. That is why we will say many times the justice system has failed us.
“But do we truly understand how the system works? Sometimes the court will find guilty a perpetrator of a crime and when they get a sentence, we are dissatisfied with that punishment.
“The courts have processes to determine such things,” explained Katherine Zikhali-Mpungose of One Strong Voice.
Katherine Zikhali-Mpungose of One Strong Voice.
She also emphasised that prison is for rehabilitation, not just punishment.
“That is why the parole board can decide to release some perpetrators after they served a portion of their sentence,” she added.
Mpungose also encouraged parents to lead by example in their homes.
“When we do interventions for schools, we sometimes visit learners at home. We are disappointed when we see some parents drinking alcohol with their children.
“Violent behaviour is also something children see first-hand in their homes,” she said.
Boksburg Correctional Facilities Parole Board member Itumeleng Nako explained victims should always honour the invite of the board.
“We want to hear from you, and if you don’t come, we only have the version of events of the perpetrator. When you come, it is also a way to take back your power,” he explained.
Nako said victims also receive the opportunity to ask the perpetrator questions.
“Even when someone gets parole, there are rules for them outside prison. One of them is they cannot contact the victim; under any circumstance. If they do, they can be sent back to prison,” he added.
ALSO READ: Lebo Care Centre looks out for neighbourhood’s children
Nako concluded the parole board considers the benefit of the entire community, which includes both the victims and the perpetrators of crime.
The event’s keynote speaker, Thokozile Magagula, said the community should use the Parliamentary Constituency Office.Magagula is a member of the National Assembly.
“This is parliament brought to the people. We will work with anyone with a programme to help people,” she said.
She said her office will shine a light on GBV beyond the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.
“As women, we need to learn to leave toxic environments. We have to be confident and know we can build a new life if we have to,” she concluded.
ALSO READ: Tsakani’s Maswazini residents battle year-long sewer nightmare
Olga Phasha from the Gauteng Department of Social Development.
Thokozile Magagula is a member of the National Assembly.
Ralph Twala from the National Prosecuting Authority.
Castro Maphutha from Phedishano Sisonke Foundation in Limpopo.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Stay in the know. Download the Caxton Local News Network App here.