SAPS receives 1,000 comfort packs from Avbob to assist gender-based violence victims
The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Limpopo, led by provincial commissioner Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has joined hands with Avbob Mutual Assurance Society in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF+).
Hadebe was accompanied by SAPS members from the Visible Policing (Vispol) and Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units, led by Brigadier Isaac Mhlongo and Brigadier Linky Mathebula, respectively, as well as the provincial head of corporate communication and liaison, Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba.
The Limpopo SAPS delegation attended the launch of Avbob’s “Together For You” GBVF+ programme at the insurer’s head office in Centurion, Tshwane, on Wednesday.
The initiative, a collaboration between SAPS and Avbob, forms part of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (NSP-GBVF+). It seeks to strengthen prevention, response, and support systems by addressing the root causes of violence and creating safer environments for women and children.
During the event, Avbob handed over more than 1,000 comfort packs to SAPS for distribution to victims and survivors of gender-based violence across Limpopo. The launch concluded with a pledge-signing ceremony, reaffirming the joint commitment to end GBVF+.
In her message of support, Hadebe commended Avbob for its contribution, saying the initiative would make a meaningful difference in efforts to combat GBVF in the province.
“We are committed to supporting victims, as we face daily situations where individuals flee their homes due to trauma. We need every possible strategy and initiative, including those involving artists and community leaders, to raise awareness on these issues,” she said.
She added that Limpopo ranks fourth nationally in GBVF cases, with children 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,” she said.
AVBOB’s general manager for shared value and sustainability, Kebo Mosweusweu, delivered the keynote address and underscored the importance of partnerships in tackling GBVF+.
“Our partnership with SAPS demonstrates the power of collaboration in creating safer environments and empowering survivors. As we approach the 16 Days of Activism campaign, we are reminded of our collective responsibility to build a society free from violence and abuse,” said Mosweusweu.
She added that Avbob’s commitment to addressing GBVF+ dates back to 2020 and emphasised that sustained, coordinated action — rather than symbolic gestures — is required to combat the crisis.
The event marked a significant milestone in strengthening public-private partnerships in the ongoing fight against gender-based violence and femicide.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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