JOHANNESBURG - AVBOB and the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, led by Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, launched AVBOB Together For You, a strategic initiative designed to enhance South Africa’s response to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF+).
The multifaceted programme strengthens first responder support, enhances case management coordination, and ensures survivors have immediate access to places of safety as well as legal and law enforcement assistance.
Through this programme, AVBOB reinforces its commitment to building safer, more resilient communities.
AVBOB Together For You is supported by various pillars, which will be rolled out in phases. The pillars include:
- Awareness campaigns: Aimed at educating communities about GBVF+, promoting prevention strategies, and encouraging survivors to report incidents in a safe and supportive environment.
- Survivor comfort packs: Meant to restore victims’ dignity (packs include a washing cloth, soap, deodorant, underwear, and more) as often, victims approach SAPS or places of safety with only the clothes they’re wearing.
- Capacity building of investigating officers: Capacitate officers with first-responder training – investigate officer training and provide relevant and critical skills accredited training.
- Victim-friendly rooms: Including a fully furnished and equipped shelter with technical recording equipment for statement capturing – a setting that provides privacy and builds trust among victims.
AVBOB recognises the urgent need to expand efforts to support victims of GBVF+ and develop sustainable solutions for future generations.
Kebo Mosweusweu, AVBOB General Manager: Shared Value and Sustainability, stated, “The scale of GBVF+ in South Africa demands more than seasonal attention or symbolic gestures. It requires sustained, coordinated action from government, civil society, and the private sector.”
Mosweusweu acknowledged the important role of the SAPS as key stakeholders and social partners in the successful implementation of the AVBOB Together For You programme. “Working together, in collaboration with the SAPS, AVBOB seeks to strengthen GBVF+ survivor support and empower communities by raising awareness and joining hands with social partners to build sustainable solutions for a better South Africa.”
The event included a symbolic handover of more than 1 000 comfort packs to SAPS for victims and survivors of gender-based violence. It concluded with a pledge-signing ceremony reaffirming a united commitment to end the scourge of GBVF+.
“Limpopo is among the provinces most affected by GBVF+, ranked fourth nationally, with children being among the most vulnerable. The gesture by AVBOB in handing over comfort packs and essential items will go a long way as we prepare to launch the 16 Days of Activism campaign. These packs will be distributed across the province to provide relief to the victims and survivors of gender-based violence,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe, Provincial Commissioner, SAPS Limpopo.
“This programme will greatly assist our SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units and frontline officers who constantly engage with victims in distress,” added Hadebe.
The launch marked a milestone in reinforcing public-private partnerships in the fight against GBVF+. Mosweusweu concluded by reaffirming the vital role of public-private partnerships in strengthening communities. “We are proud to stand alongside police offers who are, so often, the first to respond in moments of unimaginable trauma. Through this partnership, we are building not only infrastructure, but trust.”