Tag Archives: particularly women

Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development to officiate closing event of 2026 Access to Justice Week campaign

NEWS Leave a comment

Picture: The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel

By OBAKENG MAJE

13 August 2026 – The Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel will officiate the closing event of the 2026 Access to Justice Week campaign at Thulamahashe in Mpumalanga Province on 14 August 2026. Nel said the week-long campaign is intended for empowering the vulnerable and previously disadvantaged communities, particularly women, children and the poor by providing free legal advice, increasing legal literacy and raising awareness around key justice services.

He further said it takes the form of an interactive Services Fair, featuring legal advice desks and primary service stations operated by the DOJ&CD, Legal Aid South Africa, the Department of Home Affairs, the Department of Social Development, the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE), and the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). Nel added that certificates of recognition will also be handed out at the event to schools that have fully complied with the requirements of the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO).

“The certificates are an acknowledgment of these schools’ commitment to protecting learners. The event will take place at Thulamahashe Community Hall, Bushbuckridge in Mpumalanga Province at 9am,” he said.

taungdailynews@gmail.com

GBVF rife in Higher Learning institutions

NEWS Leave a comment

By REGINALD KANYANE

11 February 2025- The police in Northern Cape said Gender Based Violence (GBV) at Higher Learning Institutions is a significant concern that affects many students, particularly women, LGBTQIA+ community and other marginalised groups. The police said the most common forms of GBV at colleges, includes serial assaults, harassment and sexual offences.

ZF Mgcawu District police spokesperson, Sergeant Omphile Masegela said institutions have a critical role in preventing GBVF, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable through partnership with the South African Police Service (SAPS) and other entities. Masegela said the police in Upington, is embarking on programmes with Upington TVET College, which started on 5 February 2025, where students were addressed on matters relating to GBVF, substance abuse and general conduct at the institution.

“The students were informed about prevention methods both from becoming a victim or an offender. The Forensic Social Worker attached to the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Unit in Upington, Captain Allaetitia de Radder, gave a brief explanation of the different forms of sexual offences they are dealing with and categories of victims and offenders in such cases.

Meanwhile, the Upington Station Commander, Brigadier Peet Coetzee, encouraged students to report any form of Gender Based Violence, to stay focused and safe. Coetzee pledged his commitment to create a safe learning space for students by continuous and frequent engagements, as well as high visibility at the campus.

taungdailynews@gmail.com