19/08/2026
MPANDENI COMMUNITY EMPOWERED ON SODVA, CHILDRENβS RIGHTS AND GBV PREVENTION
Today, NATICC conducted a community dialogue at Mpandeni, under Ngwenyameni Chiefdom in Zombodze Emuva Constituency, in collaboration with COSPE Southern Africa, which partnered with Sunshine Cinema under the Civil Society in Action (CSA) project.
The dialogue sought to strengthen community knowledge on sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), childrenβs rights and responsibilities, and the role of communities in creating safer environments for children and young people.
NATICC empowered participants on the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence (SODVA) Act, unpacking its purpose, key provisions, the offences it addresses, and who it protects. Specific attention was given to Section 3 on r**e, Section 70 on the duty to report, as well as the Sexual Offenders Register. Participants were encouraged to understand their responsibility to report sexual offences and the importance of protecting survivors and holding perpetrators accountable.
The community was also sensitised on the Childrenβs Protection and Welfare Act (CPWA), with discussions focusing on childrenβs rights and responsibilities. Participants explored the responsibility of parents, caregivers and the wider community to protect children from abuse, exploitation, neglect and other forms of harm, while also recognising that children have responsibilities alongside their rights.
As part of the dialogue, participants watched the South African short film Pumla, which provided a powerful platform for exploring issues affecting young people, including teenage pregnancy, risky behaviour, substance abuse, sexuality, family relationships and the consequences of decisions made without adequate support and guidance.
The film was followed by an interactive Q&A and reflection session, where participants shared what they had learned from Pumlaβs story and reflected on what could be done differently to prevent similar situations in their own communities.
Discussions highlighted the importance of parent-child communication, positive parenting, guidance and mentorship, access to accurate information, early intervention, community support systems, and reporting cases of violence and abuse.
The engagement demonstrated the importance of combining community education, legal awareness and storytelling through film to stimulate meaningful conversations and encourage communities to take collective responsibility for protecting children, preventing violence and promoting safer communities.