SANDFIRE FIGHTS AGAINST GBV IN GHANZI REGION
Ghanzi District based mining and exploration Company, Sandfire in collaboration with African Mining Services ( AMS), business departments raised banners partners, as well as government against Gender Based Violence ( GBV) on Friday through advancing projects that are in line with supporting victims and promoting female empowerment initiatives and inclusiveness.
GBV is currently a national crisis and the hardest hit are women and children who always remain traumatised by acts of violence, men being the main perpetrators.
Statistics from Botswana Police Services indicates that from January to March 2023 there are 22 rape cases, eight defilement cases and eight threat- to- kill cases in Ghanzi only.
Sandfire and AMS conducted a 5km walk in Ghanzi to raise awareness and show its commitment in fighting GBV. The company’s commitment to creating environment that is free of fear is born from its values of Honesty, Respect and Collaboration, and extends to its Motheo community framework pillars including Community Health and Women Empowerment.
In his speech on GBV policy, Sandfire Executive Country Head, Dale Burgess said the company is committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, diversity and psychological safety in which all people can thrive, enabling them to bring their full selves to work each and every day. “Sandfire remains truly committed to strengthening our partnerships and sponsorships to support initiatives towards ending Gender- Based Violence.” These commitments allows the company to create an environment which informs, prevents, supports and monitors Gender Based Violence and is policy driven, to protect female employees from physical and emotional harm.
Burgess acknowledged that the participation of Sandfire Contractors, Employees, District Law Enforcement Agencies, NGOs, Local Authorities and the greater Ghanzi Community, affirms the Company’s social responsiveness to create a Gender- Based Violence free environment in its workplace and in communities.
“I am sure that we all agree that the Gender- Based Violence Awareness Walk could not have come at a more opportune moment, particularly with the rising numbers of Gender- Based Violence cases recorded in the region. Raising awareness of this critical issue is an important part of the role that we can all play as responsible stakeholders”.
AMS Project Manager, Caster Mothibedi highlighted that AMS as a company and its partners and contractors do not tolerate GBV. “We are here as AMS, Sandfire and contractors to see how we can help the community because the numbers of GBV cases are escalating. As a company we are open to go an extra mile in fighting GBV.” He urged the participants and the community at large to work together and fight the root cause of GBV. “There is always a root cause for GBV. Let us not just fight its consequences but let’s look for the root cause. As we discuss this issue we should look beyond immediate causes.” Ghanzi Council Secretary, Dick Kalantle urged residents to fight GBV by all means as individuals, families and as a community. “We have come together as a community to fight GBV through this awareness walk. We have sent a message that everyone has received, we are burying GBV we will never see it again because it is not good for people.”
On behalf of sponsors, Mighty Infinite Services General Manager, Babatshi Munyadzwe said they are also concerned about GBV in the region and they are committed to making a positive difference in the community. “We should start as individuals to stop GBV. Let us handle ourselves as individuals to avoid violence.” The event was sponsored by Mighty Infinite Services, Part Sales Botswana, Hitachi, Reliable Solutions and Tau Grading. Organizers included Sandfire Team, AMS, Ghanzi District Council, Office of the District Commissioner, Ghanzi Landboard and Department of Gender Affairs.