Following the Xenophobic attacks which hit parts of the provinces of Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng last month, Sonke’s Refugee Health & Rights (RHR) team hosted a workshop on ‘Violence, Gender, Power and Health’ on May 20th – 22nd. The workshop focused on developing positive messages for a mural to be painted at Central Johannesburg College in Troyeville, Johannesburg, which would promote unity and integration in South Africa.
Community members from the surrounding areas (Bertrams and Yeoville) came together to discuss their issues and to discuss what the overall mural message should be. It was decided that the mural should address issues of gender-based violence (GBV), ending Xenophobia and celebrating our diversity. The participants at the workshop were given the opportunity to discuss these, and other issues, and to share their thoughts on the change they want to see happen in South Africa.
Last week Sonke’s RHR team was out in full force painting the wall alongside community members. With this mural, we hope to promote attitudes that demand justice and an end to violence of any kind.
Sonke invites you to the unveiling of the wall on Tuesday June 9th. Please watch this space for more information on this event, closer to the time.
[Pics by Demelza Bush]
