"It starts with a slap and ends in death.” These were the shocking words of the Family and Marriage Association of South Africa's Hilda Botha at a special event focusing on the prevention of family violence at JD Dlepu stadium on Monday.
"It starts with a slap and ends in death.” These were the shocking words of the Family and Marriage Association of South Africa's Hilda Botha at a special event focusing on the prevention of family violence at JD Dlepu stadium on Monday.
She was bringing home the way in which violence escalates, and how serious it can be. The event was the climax of the organisation's programme during the 16 Days of Activism for no Violence against Women and Children, during which volunteers from Famsa's Yenz'umehluko project (Make the difference) visited schools and spoke to primary school pupils, teachers and parents about life skills.
Famsa's Life Skills Facilitator Nolubabalo Ntshobodi said their intervention was an ongoing project. “We teach pupils about life skills, HIV/Aids, rape, alcohol abuse, and teenage pregnancy,” she said, adding that it was important for children to speak out about violence in their homes, and that Famsa was there to help them.
Botha said the aim was to make the community aware of the seriousness of violence. “We want to educate our people, starting with pupils, to enable them to speak out and get help when they need it,” explained Botha.
She said women and children were the most common victims of violence. CM Vellem Primary School teacher Nontuthuzelo Ntamo said the programme would help children recognise abuse. “As teachers we must know the child holistically. We must know what is happening with the child beyond the classroom, and pupils should not be afraid to speak to their teachers,” Ntamo said.
A cultural group from NV Cewu Primary School, dressed in traditional Xhosa attire, performed a traditional dance, and local DJs provided the music.
