ON THE BEAT

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Fight against gender-based violence through art
Northcliff Melville Times Article
Published: January 2015

WESTDENE – Concept artist Balfour Lekgwathi has painted communicative murals on the wall of Helen Joseph Hospital to fight against gender based violence.

Concept artist Balfour Lekgwathi recently created Gender Equality Awareness murals on the wall of Helen Joseph hospital in Westdene.

“The campaign is one of its kind, it is actually the first of its kind that uses a public art medium in the history of 16 days of activism and beyond,” said Lekgwathi.

The long-term goal of the campaign is to produce 16 murals in each province within 365 days, in support of the 16 days of activism.

“The 365 days campaign is a government initiative and its strategy is to curb Gender-based violence, and is an extension of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign.”

According to Lekgwathi, the 365-day initiative was a result of the deliberations that were undertaken at the Kopanong Conference, which was held in May 2006 in Benoni.

The initiative seeks to fight victimisation of women and children in the country.

“I chose to have the painting at Helen Joseph Hospital because so many people come here to be treated or to see the sick. Perth Road is a very busy road and more people are bound to see the information we are sending through and hopefully make a change in society.”

“For these projects to come to live, we need sponsorships from residents so we can raise awareness and reduce gender-based violence in the country,” he said.

According to Lekgwathi, the project has received support from the Commission for Gender Equality and a Johannesburg-based paint company Versus Paints.

Joburg artists create a mural for 16 days of activism

City Buzz Article
Published: December 2014/January 2015

JOHANNESBURG – Joburg unites to fight against maltreatment of women, children and the disabled for 16 Days of Activism.

PARTNERSHIPS FOR SUCCES: Barney Nkosi, On the Beat Communications and Versus Paints also partner up with the Commission on Gender Inequality.

25 November marks the official beginning of 16 Days of Activism against the abuse of women, children and the disabled. “On the Beat Communications is a small consultancy enterprise in the area of Concept Communications,” said Balfour Lekgwathi from On the Beat Communications, “We contribute innovate creativity through volunteering, thinking time and talent for a good cause, and in the process we demonstrate that social responsibility can be innovated through strategic partnering of resources.”

Balfour teamed up with artist Barney Nkosi and sponsor Versus Paints to create a mural on the wall of the Pikitup Selby Depot, situated on the corner of Village and Usher streets. The Commission on Gender Equality was also involved and their help line has been placed in the mural – to be used for any violent actions committed against women, children and the disabled.

Balfour explains that the concept is to give back to the community and “highlight the plight of activities committed against women and children”.

During 16 Days of Activism, it is well worth the time of all Joburg residents and visitors to view the mural which depicts the importance of women and children in the country, as well as to take note of the helpline for anyone in need.

A critical component of this intervention is to create a public artwork with a strong message that emphasises Gender Equality, Human Rights, Children’s Rights, Democracy and to give support to initiatives aimed at eradicating gender inequalities and other social ills.