The Tshilwavhusiku Police closed woman´s month in style at a celebration that was held at the Ravele community hall in the Sinthumule area last Wednesday. The two veteran soccer teams of Tshififi Village in the Thohoyandou area also participated in the event.

The main purpose of this celebration, according to Capt Thabo Makatu of the Tshilwavhusiku Police Station, was to encourage women to contribute towards combating crime in the area. "We wanted women to assist us in fighting crime in our area. We know that young people who commit crimes are their children. As mothers, they can talk to them," says Makatu.

Makatu added that they have also invited the two of Tshififi veteran soccer teams to encourage women so that they can also take part in sports. "This will help women to refrain from playing cards and fighting with each other. Together, we can reduce crime. Other women who are not here today must also come and join us next time when we have gatherings of this kind," she concluded.

Mrs Humbelani Netshandama, the guest speaker, said in an interview with Mirror that women are also taking part in domestic violence. "Abused woman are also assisting their abusers to abuse them, because they depend on them. Woman must be independent," said Netshandama. She added that women must start developing themselves and take part in business. "Self-reliance is very important. When a man realises that you depend on him, he eventually does whatever he wants," she said

Chief Vho-Luvhengo of Tshififi said that other traditional leaders like her must also encourage old people in their respective areas to take part in sports. She added that this will help them to be healthy all the time. Luvhengo further added that young people will also learn a lot from what old people are doing. "All the Chiefs must follow this trend," she concluded.

Businesswomen from around the Sinthumule and Kutama areas were also invited to encourage other woman to take part in starting their own businesses.

The Departments of Health and Justice and the SANDF also formed part of the celebration. The Tshilwavhusiku police appreciated the assistance from Phadziri Bus Service and Sinthumule and Kutama Taxi Assiciation for having transported people free of charge during the celebration.