By REGINALD KANYANE

25 April 2025- Families are to be at the centre of the 2025-2026 Programme of Action adopted at the conclusion of the Moral Regeneration Movement (MRM) North West’s two days Annual Strategic Planning Session that wrapped up on Thursday afternoon in Mahikeng. MRM Provincial Convenor Pastor Lesiba Kgwele highlighted that the review of key strategic objectives was intended to intensify the fight against domestic violence, neglect of family responsibilities as well as enhance sound family and community values.

Kgwele said that this is in response to the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide affecting the most vulnerable, child neglect, drug and substance abuse that are contributing towards disintegration of families.

“We are confident that the priorities we have adopted as well the inclusive approach that has prioritised collaboration and partnerships with the civil society organisations, Churches, Faith Based Organisations, the North West House of Traditional and Khoisan leadership, North West University and other stakeholders will contribute towards roll-out of effective programmes for MRM to realise its objective for greater relevance and visibility within our communities.

“Parental Skills Programme targeting young adult parents will also be rolled out as part of enhancing family values and strengthening the capacity of families to care for children,” he said.

The focus on families was welcomed by the North West MEC for Social Development, Basetsana Dantjie in her address to the session. Dantjie challenged the civic society led movement to be part of the effort to educate communities about stereotypes against LGBTQIA+ communities, describing them as an affront to constitutional values of equality, human rights and dignity.

“We will soon launch the Go Lekane “It is enough” programme advocating for tolerance, respect for the dignity of all and peaceful co-existence which will also offer us opportunity for collaboration and partnership.

“We acknowledge that by working together, communities government and organisations can help to reduce the negative effects of drug abuse and addiction to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities across the province,” she said.

Dantjie further pointed out that in addition to registering 8 private treatment centres in Bojanala and Dr Kenneth Kaunda to support compliance, her department has established coordinating structures across the province to combat substance abuse. She added that, seventeen local drug action committees as well as a provincial substance abuse forum has been established to ensure intersectoral collaboration to effectively address issues of substance abuse.

taungdailynews@gmail.com