SPAR Donation Marks Historic Collaboration in Fight Against GBV


An initiative between the SPAR Group Ltd and the National Prosecuting Authority [NPA] has culminated in a donation of basic groceries and care items to the value of R300 000 per month to the NPA’s Thutuzela Care Centres.


These centres are located within the precincts of public hospitals throughout the country. 
 
The historic collaboration between the private sector and government, in eradicating the scourge of gender-based violence [GBV] that plagues South Africa, was made known at a launch at the Wesfleur Hospital in Atlantis, with all the participating stakeholders in attendance. 
 
“What makes it really significant, is that it is an ongoing commitment,” said Adv Bonnie Currie-Gamwo, Special Director of Public Prosecutions: SOCA, when accepting the donation.
 
“This marks our first historic collaboration with the private sector. As a collective we are coming together to end sexual and gender-based violence. South Africa has one of the highest levels of GBV in the world, and this collaboration embodies bold leadership, initiative and a joint accountability in giving victims the dignity they deserve.”
 
Kathy Baxter, SPAR Group Project Manager for Strategy, Risk and Compliance said that the donation was a practical and meaningful way of fulfilling a most basic need in the process of giving back a violated person’s dignity. 
 
“By donating monthly parcels to TCC’s across the country, people who visit the TCCs in need of assistance, can be provided a comforting meal and basic toiletries to help restore some basic human rights and dignity.”
 
It was in September 2019 that the SPAR Group Ltd launched its END GENDer-Based Violence initiative, in which it pledged to take practical steps towards ending the pandemic of GBV and Femicide in this country.
 
Amongst other significant initiatives, SPAR undertook to work with the National Prosecuting Authority to assist with their 60 Thutuzela Care Centres, culminating in the commitment announced at the Wesfleur TCC in Atlantis. These centres work on assisting GBV victims of all sexes, races and age groups with primary care and resolution of their cases. 
 
“Our commitment to the NPA and other organisations speaks to our values and to our purpose as a company. Our purpose is to inspire people to do and be more,” commented Kevin O’Brien, SPAR Group Risk and Sustainability Executive.

Pictured L_R: Kathy Baxter SPAR Group Project Manager, Adv Bonnie Currie – Gamwo, Special Director of Public Prosecutions: SOCA, Charmaine Hansen, Atlantis Thuthuzela Care Centre and Genevieve Devereux, National TCC co-ordinator.