The scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) took the centre stage on Friday 1 July when hundreds of people converged at Phangela Street at Zone 14 in Town Two.
The event was organised by the Great People of South Africa (GPSA) a non-governmental organisation (NGO) advocating for gender justice.
GPSA founder and director Zintle Khobeni described the event as part of empowering the residents about social ills in the community.
The organisation is working with the Legends Barber shop based in the Cape Town central business district.
“We established the organisation two years ago and Town Two is one of the areas that we adopted as an organisation. We noticed that there are a number of challenges that are affecting the youth which include teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, GBV, domestic violence etc,” said Khobeni.
According to Khobeni, the event is designed for young people.
“Our main focus is young people. We are trying to motivate them to focus at school and stop consuming alcohol or joining gang groups. We also invited parents to be part of the initiative just to empower and advise them where to refer their children when affected,” she stated.
Speaking on behalf of the barber shop Sikelela Ngwenze said they are giving back to the community.
“Our barber shop is based at Long Street in Cape Town. Today is our special day where we cut people free of charge. This is how we are showing love for them. Our hairstylists are well trained,” he said, urging young people to believe in themselves.
One of the parents Nobesuthu Mavoti described the event as educational.
“The speakers encouraged us to speak out and report anything that is suspicious to the police station,” she said. “And it is high time for women to stand up and fight against GBV”.