The DA in the Western Cape welcomes the initiatives to prevent GBV implemented by Agri Western Cape and Vinpro, as presented during a briefing of the provincial legislature’s Covid-19 Ad-Hoc Committee. In line with the increase in farm, gender-based and domestic violence, these initiatives demonstrate industry commitment to social issues.
In the face of gender-based violence Agri Western Cape has developed an action plan to support and to ensure the safety of the farming community. Steps proposed included the transport of workers to and from their homes, into towns for personal shopping as well as across districts.
Vinpro has also committed R150m to combat alcohol harm through awareness and industry programmes. The programmes aims to address drinking and driving, underage drinking, binge drinking as well as gender-based violence and femicide.
MPP Andricus van der Westhuizen says: “The initiatives undertaken by these organisations demonstrates the whole of society approach to address the pandemic of gender-based and domestic violence. Just as Covid-19 is being defeated through efforts including government and beyond, so it must be with the fight against this horrific pandemic that takes place in so many of our homes.”
Gender-based violence continues to be a growing concern within the country and must be stopped in its tracks. Since lockdown, the Western Cape recorded a total number 322 cases across alert-levels 3, 4 and 5, with the most recorded under level 3, at 140 cases.
Vinpro and South African Breweries have partnered with government on this particular initiative launching a gender-based violence Whatsapp Helpline through its social awareness campaign #NoExcuse. Furthermore, various brands have implemented the sale of 0% alcohol as well as reduced alcohol in their products in addition to an ID verification system at retail outlets.
MPP van der Westhuizen added: “I welcome the initiatives introduced by the industry to support survivors of GBV and domestic abuse. This demonstrates the importance of all sectors in society working together against this social scourge.
Furthermore, I urge residents to be responsible when consuming alcohol, as we together tackle alcohol abuse and gender-based violence. As with individual health behaviour change during Covid-19, so it is equally vital that we are mindful of our social behaviour and interactions.”
The Democratic Alliance in the Western Cape remains committed to protect all against the scourge of gender-based violence.
