The Mossel Bay programme, which started on 19 November and ended on 7 December included 11 events, most of which in co-operation with other institutions such as government departments and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO’s).
The programme commenced with the commemoration of International Men’s Day on 19 November. The annual Wellness Programme, which focused mainly on employee health, was held at the KwaNonqaba Indoor Centre on 20 and 21 November. It was also opened to members of the community. The purpose of this event was to demonstrate the municipality’s commitment to community wellness and to raise awareness of the benefits of physical and emotional wellness.
The Take-Back-the-Night March against violence against women and children was held in Asla Park on 25 November. It was arranged by the municipality’s Gender Forum and other role players included councillors, the department of social development, the ACVV and the SAPS Child Protection Unit.
A door-to-door questionnaire campaign, focused on integrated services to the community by the municipality and government departments took place from 24 November to 28 November. From the perspective of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign, it was to look for possible incidences of family violence, maltreatment and substance abuse as well. It also focused on HIV/AIDS prevention. A total of 389 houses were visited.
World AIDS Day was commemorated on 1 December 2014 with a road block involving the municipality’s Traffic Department, the department of Correctional Services and peer Eeucators during which pamphlets and condoms were handed out to motorists to focus attention on HIV/AIDS. This was followed on the same day with an International AIDS Day VIP dinner and candle ceremony at which the municipal manager, Dr Michele Gratz, was the keynote speaker. The dinner was hosted by Mr Phillip Busch, Head of Correctional Services in Mossel Bay.
On 4 December a recycle swop shop was opened in KwaNonqaba. The shop is managed by coordinators of the Piet Julies AIDS Group and its objectives include the prevention of secondary infections and assaults. Bottles and other items used for the assaults are removed in this way to be recycled.
The Mayoral road block took place on 5 December. Apart from road safety outcomes, information material and other items related to gender violence and AIDS awareness were handed out by the Mayor and municipal personnel.
On 5 December 2014 the ACVV Kenani Centre presented its own 16 Days of Activism programme.
The Municipality supported the event in the form of a donation of 200 key rings as hand outs as well as the lending of some equipment. The programme included the signing of a pledge by the elderly to commit to loving and respecting women.
The New Apostolic Church in D’Almeida and the Municipality co-operated on Sunday, 7 December to focus on World AIDS day.
The Mossel Bay Library Services also did their bit to focus attention on World AIDS Day. The KwaNonqaba Library had a special exhibition and handed out information as well as condoms and AIDS key rings. The Hartenbos Library distributed magazines as well as pamphlets of the departments of health, Correctional Services and the SPCA.
The Mossel Bay Traffic Department reached out to Herbertsdale on 7 December to raise road safety awareness. Key rings, gender emergency number booklets, sweets and suckers were handed out on this occasion.
The Mossel Bay Library Services also did their bit to focus attention on World Aids Day. The KwaNonqaba Library had a special exhibition and handed out information as well as condoms and AIDS key rings.
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