Comfort packs handed over at Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court
'We are very grateful for these packs – they will definitely make a difference'
Matla a Bana, together with representatives from Durban Roodepoort Deep (DRD) Gold, recently handed over 90 comfort packs at the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court.
“Matla a Bana works with the sexual offences courts as well as the Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) units within the police. Our focus is to reduce the secondary abuse that young victims of sexual trauma are subjected to through the system. We try to make the children’s court, as well as the offices at the court and police stations, more child friendly, and we also hand out comfort packs. These comfort packs are used by the court and police to help make a direct difference in these children’s lives. Their dignity is restored once they receive the packs,” said Lizel van Eeden from Matla A Bana.
The comfort packs are packed for different ages and contain a facecloth, toothpaste, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, packet of tissues, underwear, sanitary towels, a packet of soup, a packet of biscuits/ chips, energy bar, fruit juice, colouring book, crayons, and a teddy bear.
“Today we had 90 comfort packs, which were sponsored by DRD Gold and Marianne Pretorius. We handed over 45 packs to the Association of Regional Magistrates of Southern Africa and the National Prosecuting Authority. The other 45 packs were handed over to Captain Johan Pretorius from the Johannesburg West FCS unit,” Lizel said.
She added that this project was an ideal way for the community, as well as companies, to make a difference, especially with Mandela Day around the corner, and said, “We want the community to be aware of this need and that they can make a difference.”
Delize Smith, Regional Magistrate at the Roodepoort Magistrates’ Court, also handed over some handmade teddy bears, which she had received from local old age homes, to Matla A Bana, and said, “On behalf of ARMSA and the NPA, we just want to thank Matla A Bana and DRD Gold for this kind gesture. These comfort packs will definitely help make a difference in the lives of the victims of sexual trauma. We really appreciate it.”
She added that the teddy bears they donated formed part of their Corporate Social Responsibility programme.
For more information on Matla a Bana, and how to help, contact Lizel on 073 171 1031 or send an email to matla@mweb.co.za.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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