Grahamstown local, Annerie Wolmarans, launched her Whistles for Weapons Campaign on National Women’s Day. The campaign is aimed at fighting abuse against women and children.
Grahamstown local, Annerie Wolmarans, launched her Whistles for Weapons Campaign on National Women’s Day. The campaign is aimed at fighting abuse against women and children.
Despite the bitingly chilly weather, women and their children as well as a number of men gathered at the Drostdy Arch, where they were given whistles to blow whenever they feel in danger.
Ntaba Maria, Tantyi Lower Primary and Grahamstown Primary schools came out to show their support for the campaign, carrying banners with the names of their schools on them. Also joining the march were the Stilt Walkers, from the Grahamstown-based OddBody Theatre Company.
“We came out to support the Whistles for Weapons Campaign. It is also our way of saying no to the abuse of women and children. The more awareness there is about such things, the more women and children will have the courage to speak out, because many are scared to talk about it," said company director, Richard Antrobus,
Members of the South African Police Service were among those showing their support for the campaign. Led by Captain Mali Govender, they marched down High Street down to Hill Street, blowing their whistles and bringing the town to a standstill.
The whistle-blowing abated only when the marchers stopped at the Town Hall where they were invited inside, where events of the day began unfolding.
At the hall, the OddBody performers wowed everyone with an exuberant series of pantsula dances. Gumboot dancers from Eluxolweni Shelter also kept the audience on the toes with their moves.
Reverend Phindile Vass, of the Six South African Infantry Battalion followed, encouraging the children to carry their whistles with them wherever they go.
“When you see someone doing something that is immoral, blow your whistle. Children, when someone touches you inappropriately, blow the whistle so that people can come out and help you,” she said.
SAPS spokeswoman Mali Govender had an unusual way of teaching the children which parts of their bodies other people are not allowed to touch.
She taught them the Macarena dance, alternatively covering her breasts and crotch area as she danced. Afterwards she explained to the children that these parts of their bodies were private.
Although the subject of the day was a terrible and traumatic one, the dancing brought out joy and laughter, as participants danced and embraced each other.
Even the elderly women from King Holmes old age home found the energy to dance. They gave the children teddy bears which they had knitted themselves.
Wolmarans, who is the Sheriff of the Grahamstown court, thanked everyone for attending and pledging their support. She said, herself and daughter, Daneil Wolmarans would travel city to city launching this campaign.
Everyone was treated to a delicious curry and rice lunch with fruit juice. Everyone had a smile on their face as they marched out of the hall.
