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George Municipality Concludes Human Rights Month with Community March

In the photo from left are Cllr Thandiswa Qatana (Phakamani Makhosikazi Movement), Bernelee Wonderlik (Social Worker at Social Health and Empowerment), Ms Heliza Mentoor (Director, Department of Health Garden Route District), Reese O’Connor (Human Rights Violations Coordinator at Social Health and Empowerment), Mr Khangelani Rawuza (Deputy Director, Violence Prevention Unit), Colonel Lionel Kennedy (George SAPS), Khanyisile Fortuin (Regional Leader for LGBTQI Sector).

As part of the closing activities for Human Rights Month, the George Municipality—together with civil society organisations and other key stakeholders—joined residents in a Human Rights March to raise awareness about the significance of Human Rights Day and the values it upholds.

The march, which took place on Wednesday, 26 March 2025, highlighted several pressing issues, including:

• Access to quality healthcare services
• Addressing systemic corruption
• Improving the response to gender-based violence
• Strengthening accountability for human rights
• Upholding the principles of equality, dignity, and respect for all

Marchers gathered at the GO GEORGE Hub in Cradock Street between 10:00 and 12:00, where they voiced a collective call for a more just, inclusive, and equitable society.

Reese O’Connor, the Human Rights Violations Coordinator at Social Health and Empowerment, and Khanyisile Fortuin of the George Municipality’s Special Programmes—who also serves as Regional Leader for the LGBTQI Sector under the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)—handed over a memorandum to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Department of Health. Colonel Lionel Kennedy received the memorandum on behalf of SAPS.

These initiatives reflect the Municipality’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of human rights, civic engagement, and social justice in the George community.

Signing the receipt of the memorandum is Colonel Lionel Kennedy (George SAPS), standing on the left is Khanyisile Fortuin (Regional Leader for LGBTQI Sector), and on the right is Reese O Connor (Human Rights Violations Coordinator at Social Health and Empowerment).