Download PDFKhanya College, local organisations and Eldorado Park residents are organising around problems affecting families and children in the community, including gender-based violence (GBV), substance abuse, child neglect, hunger and the lack of support for vulnerable households.
These issues were discussed at a community meeting held on 19 September 2026. The meeting followed a previous meeting on 8 August and a door-to-door campaign conducted on 17 September, where community organisations visited households to hear directly from residents about the problems they face. The door-to-door campaign also raised awareness against gender-based violence.
The door-to-door campaign involved 18 organisations and reached 95 households. According to the information uncovered from residents, 45 households included women who had experienced or knew someone affected by GBV. Residents from two households said they were already receiving counselling.
Nearly half the households said they knew of a neglected child in the community. One household reported that four children were being neglected in one home. Substance abuse was another big concern, with 40 households reporting problems related to it.
Community members said that many residents are reluctant to speak about these problems. In Kersiedorp, some people were afraid of being labelled an “impimpi” (an informer) if they spoke out. Others were unwilling to accept help or report abuse because of fear and the presence of abusers in the household during interviews.
Participants also raised concerns about children being out of school during school hours, bullying, violence against elderly family members, and family conflict. Hunger was another concern, with residents saying that existing soup kitchens mainly support children while other vulnerable people also need food.
The meeting also discussed the relationship between the community and the police. Participants said there is a lack of trust between some residents and police officers. Although police assisted with the door-to-door campaign, organisers requested that they not be highly visible because of the current relationship between the police and community.
For participants, these problems cannot only be addressed after violence has occurred. The meeting focused on building community forums that can respond to problems before they become more serious.
Three groups presented proposals for activities in the community. These included literacy support, feeding schemes, GBV awareness, referrals, skills development and activities for children. One group proposed escorting children to school and supporting children living in poverty. Another plans to use the Pop Centre in Extension 8 for activities and meetings.
The groups are expected to begin meeting from 26 September. Participants also stressed that activities should not depend entirely on outside funding or professionals. The aim is to begin with the skills, knowledge and resources already available in the community, while bringing in professionals where necessary.
A Health Mass Advice Day is also being planned for November. The date is still to be confirmed. The event will focus on issues identified during the door-to-door campaign, including GBV, abuse of elderly people and women, school dropouts, teenage pregnancy, unemployment, food insecurity, substance abuse and family conflict.
SANCA, clinics, social workers and other organisations will be invited to participate.
The meeting ended with a focus on turning the concerns raised by residents into practical community activities.
This article was submitted on 21 September 2026. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
