Drakenstein Municipality is setting the stage for transformative action in the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). With a focus on increasing GBV reporting, creating safe spaces in rural areas, and ensuring the sustainability of GBV initiatives, three ambitious goals have been outlined, each poised to make a tangible difference in the lives of many.

Goal 1 focuses on improving the reporting of GBV incidents at Hugenote College in Wellington. The objective is to increase reports from one in six months to two per month. To achieve this, the college plans to introduce an anonymous QR Code Reporting system, making it easier and safer for students to report incidents. Weekly reporting mechanisms will be established to encourage consistent, accessible channels for communication. In addition, students and staff will be motivated to report incidents and seek support services through awareness workshops and motivational talks. A dedicated sub-committee, formed from college personnel, will oversee the entire reporting process, ensuring it is handled efficiently and with compassion. The next steps include launching and promoting the QR Code Reporting system, scheduling weekly review meetings, establishing the sub-committee, and organizing awareness initiatives to reinforce the importance of reporting GBV incidents.

Goal 2 aims to create safe spaces in the rural areas of Simondium, offering vital protection and support for GBV victims. The initiative will focus on facilitating the completion of protection orders, including assistance with online applications, to ensure that victims have the legal protection they need. Collaboration with local NGOs will strengthen GBV initiatives and extend the reach of support services. Starting in Simondium, the project will develop a scalable framework that can be implemented in other rural areas. Progress will be measured by tracking the number of protection orders issued and the support requests received. The next steps involve identifying key areas in Simondium for initial implementation, working with NGOs to provide resources, distributing informational materials on protection orders, and tracking the effectiveness of these efforts.

Goal 3 is centered around ensuring the sustainability of GBV initiatives within the municipality. The objective is to develop a long-term system for tracking and reporting GBV incidents, building on the progress made over the past year. This includes maintaining the established baseline and continuously training team leaders, mentors, and support members to handle GBV cases effectively. Ongoing support from municipal authorities will be crucial, with quarterly reviews scheduled to track progress and adjust strategies as needed. The next steps include reviewing and analyzing the baseline data, planning regular training sessions, implementing a quarterly review process, and integrating GBV tracking and reporting into the municipality’s regular operations.

These goals are not just about making headlines—they’re about creating a real, lasting impact in the fight against GBV. With clear objectives and strategies in place, Drakenstein Municipality is poised to lead the charge in creating safer, more supportive environments for everyone. Stay tuned as we continue to track progress, share successes, and push for meaningful change in our community.