Residents across many South African city suburbs are often the victims of violent acts, but an International Peace Youth Group is putting forward initiatives to help change this.
Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing, a leading supplier of apples and pears from South Africa, has taken the opportunity to support the launch of the 'Peace My City' initiative in one of Cape Town’s oldest black townships, Gugulethu.
Cleo Baartman, International Peace Youth Group Liaison Officer, Southern Africa, says his organisation believes that ambitions to bring about a more peaceful society requires a joint effort by all interested parties, including the outside community.
“We believe that individually we aren’t powerful but if we gather together, we are unbreakable and through a continued support and devotion to the development of areas such as Gugulethu, we will ensure peaceful environments.'
According to Baartman, the local peace initiative is a joint effort of the Gugulethu community and the City of Cape Town. “This initiative, which is being rolled out internationally, is one where peace groups and civil societies unite to identify conflict areas and work together to establish them as areas promoting safety and security called 'Peace Zones'. They have identified Gugulethu, NY116 Sports Field as a location to convert into a peace zone.
“This is where artists were able to use sponsored paint to create beautiful images”, she added. “At the ‘Peace My City’ initiative in Guguletu guests were treated to refreshments from Tru-Cape, Shoprite and a company called Mzolis. Moreover, the community of Gugulethu has pledged to maintain this sports field in unity and promote a culture of peace for generations to come.'
Tru-Cape’s marketing director Conrad Fick noted that the company receives many requests for support, but as this event was linked to a continued healthy lifestyle and held at the community’s sports fields, Tru-Cape was pleased to support the initiative.
“Anything that helps a community to better work towards peace for all is something we encourage. We wish the International Peace Youth Group and their plans to foster more Peace My City Initiatives all the best.”
