"We don't want to see any more victims, especially not women and children being unsafe in their homes. It is not acceptable to this council," said Executive Mayor Alderlady Marie Ferreira during her key note address.
Alderlday Ferreira implored those present to take this cause of protecting and empowering the vulnerable within the community to heart and moreover, to spread the word to others in order to establish positive value systems.
In her overview of the summit, Wendy Bingham from the Department of Local Government said: "We have found that we can replicate what the Mossel Bay Municipality does, horizontally. If it works here, we have confidence that it can be implemented with similar success elsewhere. Mossel Bay has truly taken the step forward and can only be commended for their efforts in hosting this summit."
During a poignant HIV/AIDS candle lighting ceremony, pastor Aubrey Benjamin emphasized the importance of creating the type of platforms, such as this summit, where information sharing can take place, as it improves the lives of the infected and their loved ones.
On the presentation of the awards and commitment pledge to Alderlady Ferreira, Gender and Governance Officer Nomthandazo (Nomthi) Mankazana from Gender Links, was full of praise for the Mossel Bay Municipality regarding their first attempt.
"We are here tonight to honour your commitment to your community. You are not forced to do what you do, but are driven by the love of people and the spirit of Ubuntu," she said.
She continued to thank the three women who, according to her observations, played a pivotal role in the success of this event. She mentioned that during her visit to Mossel Bay, she met 'three phenomenal women' - Alma Kritzinger, Alvine Rhoode and Dawn Truter.
"Ladies, you have done what we at Gender Links do in a group of 15-25 people. When the going got tough, never once did you pack up and go home. You held on and worked until late every single day and never did you ever forget to smile in the mornings, to share a story, a hug and a laugh. With each new day I saw you possessed renewed energy, when your batteries went flat, you kept going," she commented.
She also made a tongue in cheek remark to Director of Corporate Affairs, Edward Jantjies, in whose department these women work, to hold onto them tightly, as they are worth their weight in gold. In closing, she said that out of 253 municipalities, the Mossel Bay Municipality in hosting this summit, piloted what Gender Links do into the council, being testimony of their ongoing commitment towards gender mainstreaming.
All the guests attending the gala event participated in a candle lighting ceremony remembering those suffering from HIV/AIDS. Photo: Sean Snyman
The team that made it all happen (from left): Dawn Truter, Alma Kritzinger, Director Edward Jantjies and Alvene Rhoode, pictured here with Nomthandazo (Nomthi) Mankazana from Gender Links (third left) and Wendy Bingham (right) from the Department of Local Government. Photo: Cornelle Carstens
ARTICLE: CORNELLE CARSTENS, MOSSEL BAY ADVERTISER JOURNALIST
