The Thohoyandou Victim Empowerment Programme (TVEP) rewarded 40 volunteers for their positive contribution to the fight against rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. The annual function was held at their premises in Sibasa on Friday morning.

The volunteers worked as advocate officers, general assistants, campaigns assistants, court monitors and help desk assistants. Advocate officers worked in villages on different projects aimed at discouraging the abuse of community members in any form, whereas general assistants worked in trauma centres to assist abuse victims. Campaigns assistants also worked with the community in different campaigns while court monitors help the victim of abuse in court preparations. Help desk advisors operated in different clinics with various communities.

TVEP Spokesperson Shula Mafokoane said the institution has been rewarding the volunteers on annual basis since 2001. "These are men and women sacrificed their time for the sake of the communities in which they live. We thought it would be a good thing to appreciate their good work by handing them certificates of appreciation. No words can explain how to thank them because they have really done more than is expected of them in fighting against rape, sexual assault and domestic violence. They have displayed what community building is all about and it is now time for them to reap what they have sown." Mafokoane said the volunteers have done much to accomplish the objectives of the TVEP throughout the year. "They have informed, educated and capacitated the community about their rights and responsibilities pertaining to human rights abuse. We have seen them following up and monitoring all rape cases reported through trauma centers and to ensure that witnesses are prepared for court. We greatly appreciate their contributions because they have been the pillar of our strength for the whole year."

One of the recipients of the appreciation certificates, Azwihangwisi Masakona, said: "We are very grateful to the TVEP because they have displayed that they recognize our good work. Despite the certificates, we will continue with our work of assisting our communities out there."