Vodacom and GRIP have partnered to inspire hope in GBV victims on 18 October 2023 in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga. The Vodacom’s marketing team has organized a handover program to meet GRIP’s initiatives of helping the GBV survivors in pursuit of bringing back their pride. Our Wiggle Tunes team was part of the event for media coverage purposes.
In honoring the efforts and beautiful work that Non-profit Organizations does for their communities, Vodacom decided to embark on a reciprocal journey by partnering with GRIP because they resonate hugely with the NPO’s mission. Their mission is “To mitigate the extent and impact of sexual and gender-based violence, and HIV through tested prevention and empowerment campaigns and the provision of a holistic and easily accessible psycho-social and court support services.”
The Purpose of the Day
They divided the event into three programs namely, the GRIP Care Packages Handover, Driving Sustainability and the Pride Walk. The GRIP NPO has received care packages which include essentials such as sanitary pads, toothpastes, bathing soaps, underwear, and body lotions on behalf of their beneficiaries.
The GRIP’s CEO was overwhelmed with joy over the successful care packages handover done by Vodacom. “We are happy with the partnership that we have with Vodacom and today we have received many care packs that could not fit in the care. It is not the first time we have received some assistance from them, and we are grateful for their contribution,” says Tarryn Lokotsch.
Moreover, the driving sustainability program was meant to remind and reinforce the importance of respecting road rules and regulations since October is also known as the transport month. The third program is the pride walk, which was meant to reignite the pride of the GBV survivors, and to promote diversity and inclusivity amongst the victims.
The handover event was attended by all the Vodacom executives, and the employees from all the departments within the Mpumalanga region. The partnership between these two parties started some time ago and this shows that Vodacom is a brand for everyone as it recognizes amazing things that NPOs do.
Who is GRIP?
Greater Rape Intervention Program (GRIP) was established in 2000 within the Mpumalanga Province operating in two of three District Municipalities in Mpumalanga, namely Ehlanzeni and Gert Sibande. The organization was established after a teenage girl contracted HIV from the rape incident and eventually died of AIDS-related illness.
Concerned citizens responded to the important levels of sexual violence and HIV in the greater Nelspruit area of Mpumalanga. Since its inception GRIP has provided a growing number of care and support services to more than 50 000 survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and people living with HIV/AIDS, ranging in age from six months to 80 years of which 96% come from under-served and disadvantaged communities.
How can you reach GRIP?
GRIP is chiefly based at KaMagugu, a location outside the city of Mbombela, in Mpumalanga. There are other satellite offices within the province, and they also have offices in police stations and regional courts. GBV victims can visit police stations to open a case against any violent instigators and ask to see GRIP employees to assist them through their survival journey.
Conclusion
Vodacom gives back to communities in diverse ways such as partnering with NPOs that are doing phenomenal initiatives that promotes goodwill, inclusivity, and diversity. In support of the GRIP initiatives, both parties teamed up for a worthy cause that aims to bring about pride to the GBV victims until they become survivors.
