Premier Alan Winde, in the foreground, paints the outside walls of the Kraaifontein precinct’s victim empowerment room, alongside mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis.
Premier Alan Winde, mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis and Policing Oversight and Community Safety MEC Reagen Allen painted the Kraaifontein police station’s victim empowerment room in a show of support for victims of gender violence, on Women’s Day.
Mr Winde said provincial government was doing all it could to tackle the scourge of femicide and violence against women and children.
Mr Winde and officials in his office came with paint, brushes and rollers to paint the victim empowerment room.
“It may simply be a lick of paint, but what is important is ensuring these rooms make people feel safe, give them back their dignity and offer a sense of calmness and relief,” Mr Winde said.
“Those who sacrifice their time to help survivors of violent crime are heroes. The least we can do is give some of our time on this Women’s Day to spruce up Kraaifontein police station’s victim empowerment room. It is a small gesture, but we do it with deep compassion.”
He stressed that Women’s Day events should not simply be window dressing.
“We have to do something 365 days a year. More importantly, we have to stop this scourge once and for all.”
Leaders could not afford to stand by and expect law enforcement officials and social workers to do the work alone, he said.
Mr Hill-Lewis said: “To be of service to others with compassion is how we show our humanity. Helping to paint this room is a small gesture to help bring comfort, and support to those impacted by violent crime.”