Multisectoral GBVF Awareness held in Welkom

The South African Police Service (SAPS) Lejweleputswa District and Welkom SAPS together with various government departments and partner organisations, participated in a multisectoral Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Awareness Programme held at Goldfields TVET College in Welkom on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. The programme was conducted under the theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to END GBVF”, emphasising the importance of collective responsibility, community participation and collaboration in preventing and responding to gender-based violence and femicide. The initiative brought together key stakeholders to educate students on GBVF, promote awareness on available support services, encourage the reporting of incidents, and strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies, government departments and institutions of higher learning. SAPS raised awareness on the reporting and opening of GBVF cases Representing SAPS Lejweleputswa District, Sergeant Malindi delivered a presentation on the process of opening a criminal case in relation to the reporting of GBVF-related incidents. The presentation focused on the procedures followed when a complainant reports an incident to the police, including the recording and registration of the complaint and the subsequent steps in initiating a criminal investigation. The presentation also aimed to address uncertainty surrounding the reporting process and to encourage victims and witnesses to seek assistance from the relevant authorities. Sergeant Malindi emphasised the importance of ensuring that reported cases are handled in accordance with established procedures while promoting sensitivity, professionalism, and respect for the rights and maintaining the dignity of complainants. The programme featured presentations and contributions from several stakeholders, each addressing GBVF from their respective mandates and areas of expertise. Following the stakeholder presentations, participants were divided into two commissions, namely a male commission and a female commission, to facilitate open engagement and meaningful discussion on GBVF-related issues. The two commission sessions provided a platform for participants to raise questions, share their perspectives, and seek clarity on issues affecting men, women, boys, and girls. #BeTheFirstToKnow