Mayor Dan Plato launches City’s 16 Days of Activism programme

25 November 2020

Mayor Dan Plato has launched a series of events, with the first in Mitchells Plain, where organisations, survivor support structures, and rehabilitated offenders participated in a programme themed ‘REACH OUT, STAND UP & BE HEARD’ on the high levels of gender-based violence. The programme is aimed at urging men to respect and protect women. The 16 Days of Activism For No Violence Against Women and Children ends on 10 December 2020. Read more below:

‘It is shameful that the scourge of violence against women and children is continuing in our country with no end in sight. Too often we see another story of men, who are meant to protect their families and loved ones, being the ones perpetrating the violence. Our homes are the first places where we must practice kindness and respect towards those we claim to love. We need to see a change in the behaviour of husbands, brothers and fathers because this cycle of abuse cannot continue. While this campaign takes place for just over two weeks each year, the reality is women and children living in these situations experience abuse and violence throughout the year. This is why we must continue to speak out against this violence and not just during a campaign,’ said Executive Mayor Dan Plato.

The programme will also include speeches from the South African Police Service, Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, as well as a reenactment role play to underscore the need for action and dialogue to combat violence in communities. These events will take place over the 16 Days of Activism.

Crime statistics for murder and rape have increased from 2019 to 2020. Sexual assault cases as well as common assault cases have also increased. It is clear that attitudes have not changed and we need to work harder to educate our boys and young men.

The City of Cape Town will be hosting these events in areas with the highest incidence of gender-based and violent crime.

The Mayor’s task team, comprising religious leaders and experts, announced at last year’s event, will be engaging with attendees at the various events, and will form part of this year’s efforts at raising awareness. The task team has links with 500 churches across Cape Town, of various faiths. They work in communities and engage young people through social interventions.

On a local level, and as a caring city, we offer a list of programmes throughout the year to assist those at risk - in addition to this annual campaign.

Some of these are:

Women For Change Programme is an intervention programme aimed at vulnerable women. The intervention seeks to enable women to play a more significant role in their local neighbourhoods, while developing and learning skills.

The Men & Masculinities Programme is aimed at both young and adult men. The City of Cape Town is assisting to help tackle gender-based violence. Over the next six months, the Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department will facilitate training for a group of 50 men from Delft and surrounding areas. They are the first participants in the Men and Masculinity project.

Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office