News

Deputy Minister Cassel Mathale’s Community Engagement: Tackling GBVF and Substance Abuse in Potchefstroom

August 11, 2023

1 min read

Deputy Minister of Police, Mr Cassel Mathale, will lead a community engagement event on August 12, 2023, in Potchefstroom, North West, aimed at addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) and substance abuse. The event will be attended by SAPS management, stakeholders, and community members to foster cooperation and find solutions to these pressing issues.

Potchefstroom: Facing Social Challenges

Potchefstroom, a city with a rich history and known for its academic and sporting achievements, is also plagued by contact crimes, including GBVF. The Ikageng Police Station in Potchefstroom is among the top 20 stations in the North West, struggling with high levels of contact crimes, highlighting the urgency to tackle these social issues.

Creating a Platform for Dialogue

The community engagement event, which will take place at the Ikageng Stadium, will provide an open platform for dialogue among stakeholders, community members, and the police force. The goal is to foster a spirit of unity and cooperation to find solutions that benefit the community.

Addressing GBVF and Substance Abuse

GBVF has been a pressing issue affecting countless lives in South Africa. The community engagement event, under Deputy Minister Mathale’s leadership, demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing this issue and preventing further harm to the nation’s citizens.

Substance abuse, encompassing alcohol and drug consumption, has long been a concern in South Africa, with detrimental consequences on individuals, families, and communities. The event aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for Potchefstroom residents by tackling substance abuse.

Proactive Steps to Combat Social Issues

Deputy Minister Mathale’s involvement in hosting the community engagement event with SAPS management demonstrates the government’s prioritization of these issues and dedication to fostering positive change within the community. The event aims to understand the circumstances of those affected and devise actionable strategies to combat GBVF and substance abuse in Potchefstroom.

A Catalyst for Change

Deputy Minister Mathale’s community engagement event marks a new chapter in Potchefstroom’s ongoing fight against GBVF and substance abuse. The event inspires hope for a brighter and safer future for the residents. Through collective determination and a unified vision, the event will serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring other communities to follow suit in tackling these pressing social issues.

Serjio Zakharoff
Latest posts

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

View all

Maximising ROI: How CEOs Can Use Recruitment Agencies to Drive Business Growth

As business leaders, CEOs constantly search for strategic tools to drive growth and maximise return on investment (ROI). One such avenue is leveraging the expertise of recruitment services. With over 40 years of experience, MASA (Measured Ability South Africa) stands out as a leading player in the recruitment and staffing solutions industry, offering a blend of innovative strategies and time-tested methods to enhance your business performance. The Strategic Advantage of Recruitment Agencies In today’s fast-paced business world, the right staffing decisions are crucial. Recruitment agencies like MASA offer a streamlined, efficient approach to hiring that brings numerous benefits: 1. Access

Durban Super Giants Outshine Paarl Royals in SA20 Cricket League

The Durban Super Giants and Paarl Royals went headtohead in an exhilarating cricket match that left fans on the edge of their seats. The game took place at the Kingsmead Stadium, a renowned venue for cricket, and was the talk of the town. The Super Giants emerged victorious, cementing their supremacy in the SA20 league.

Latest from Blog

south african rand political instability

The South African Rand’s Historic Plunge: A Reflection of Political and Economic Turmoil

In 2025, the South African Rand took a historic nosedive, reaching its lowest point ever against the euro and pound. Political chaos from a controversial national budget, along with new US tariffs, caused panic among investors, leading them to pull money out of the country. On April 9, the rand fell to R21.81/€ and above R25/£, creating a wave of uncertainty and rising inflation in South Africa. This crisis reflects not only economic struggles but also the deep political issues within the nation, urging everyone to unite for a better future.

South Africa’s VAT Controversy: A Battle for Economic Stability and Social Justice

South Africa is facing a heated debate over a proposed increase in Value Added Tax (VAT) from 15% to 16% by 2026. The government believes this hike is necessary to fund vital services like health and education but promises to help lowincome families with expanded social grants and zerorated food items. However, this plan has met fierce opposition from the Democratic Alliance party, which argues it will unfairly burden the poor. As tensions rise within the coalition government, this issue reflects deeper struggles for fairness and justice in a nation still healing from past inequalities. The outcome of this tax increase could change the way South Africa balances economic needs with social responsibility.

Envisioning Hope: The “And yet we imagine” Exhibition

The “And yet we imagine” exhibition at the Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation in Cape Town is a vibrant celebration of creativity and hope. Running until May 2, 2025, it showcases diverse art forms, from poetry to performance, all aimed at inspiring a sustainable future. Visitors can join workshops and discussions, sharing their own dreams for a better world. This exhibition calls on everyone to imagine together, highlighting the power of art to spark change and unite communities in facing our biggest challenges. It’s a beautiful reminder that, even in tough times, we can dream of a brighter tomorrow.

Controversy Surrounds New Orleans’ Mardi Gras Zulu Parade

The Zulu Parade at New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is causing a stir because many South Africans find its imagery offensive. Features like blackface and outdated stereotypes upset people who feel their rich culture is being disrespected. While the parade aims to celebrate African American heritage, it blurs the line between honoring and appropriating Zulu culture. This controversy highlights how important it is to understand and respect different traditions, reminding us to think carefully about how we represent others. Ultimately, it’s a call for more empathy and dialogue in our diverse world.

Navigating Cybersecurity: Lessons from the Cell C Data Breach

The Cell C data breach is a big wakeup call about how important cybersecurity is in our digital lives. It shows that companies need to teach their users how to protect their personal information and be clear about what’s happening when things go wrong. After the breach, Cell C stepped up by creating an Information Hub to help users understand cyber threats and encouraging them to sign up for Protective Registration to guard against fraud. This situation reminds us that staying safe online is not just about technology; it’s also about being smart and aware.

the ultimate mother city guide