The fight against the abuse of women and children was boosted in early January when the Vodacom Foundation renewed its financial commitment to the Kidz Clinics of Women and Men Against Child Abuse (WMACA).
The R1.1 million contribution will allow WMACA to continue to focus on the needs of sexually, emotionally and physically abused children through its Kidz Clinics in Boksburg on the East Rand, and in Alexandra, Johannesburg.
Vodacom's support of WMACA and its Kidz Clinics dates back to 2002, when an initial donation was made to the Boksburg clinic. In December 2003, the foundation provided funding for the first year of operation for the Alexandra clinic. The clinic is situated on the premises of the SAPS Alexandra station, in whose reconstruction the foundation invested R15 million.
This latest donation forms part of the safety and security portfolio of the Vodacom Foundation. The foundation invests in projects in this portfolio as it believes that South African women and children have a right to live in a secure environment, free from sexual and other abuse.
In commenting on the renewal of funding, Mthobi Tyamzashe, Chairman of the Vodacom Foundation, said: "The women and children whose lives have been devastated by sexual abuse are able to find healing and wholeness at these clinics. We want to ensure WMACA can continue to offer its services to the survivors of this scourge of our society."
The Kidz Clinics are one-stop facilities providing free and comprehensive treatment for children who have suffered sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The process is structured to reduce the fear and anxiety synonymous with abuse, and promote the healing process.
The Kidz Clinic in central Boksburg, opened in June 2000, is named in honour of the late Eddie Pienaar, who was three years and 11 months old when he died as a result of physical and emotional abuse suffered at the hands of his mother and stepfather.
His tragic story angered and shocked the nation, and led to WMACA honouring the little boy through its naming of the Boksburg Kidz Clinic.
The Alexandra Kidz Clinic is dedicated to Lerato who was brutally raped at the age of six years near her home in Alexandra. Apart from the emotional trauma she suffered, she had to undergo major reconstructive surgery to repair the horrific physical injuries that were inflicted on her.
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