​As part of Ntirhisano and post State Of the Province Address (SOPA) engagements, Gauteng Social Development MEC Morakane Mosupyoe interacted with the community of Lawley in the south of Johannesburg on Thursday. 
The engagement provided a platform for MEC to unpack commitments made by the Premier during his address and for government to listen and respond to various challenges faced by the community. 

Issues raised by Lawley residents included unemployment, substance abuse, and domestic violence amongst others. 

The MEC indicated how COVID-19 has had a detrimental effect on our country and economy which has led to the increase of unemployment, however there is hope as the Premier has stated that the province is shifting focus and energies to tackle unemployment through economic recovery and reconstruction. 

In her address Mosupyoe said as part of the province’s strategy to combat the lack of employment, the Gauteng Provincial Government continues to partner with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator to upscale the flagship programme to Tshepo  Million and this has created demand-driven learning, earning and entrepreneurship opportunities. 

In response to domestic violence that is on the rise in Lawley, MEC spoke about GBV brigades, which have been deployed in all the wards as part of fighting gender-based violence and abuse of children. MEC also said Social Development Department has appointed dedicated GBV social workers to assist with the scourge. 

"GBV Brigades play a crucial role in enhancing community awareness on the Green Doors, Ikhaya Le Themba, and the victim’s empowerment centres (VECs) at police stations, shelters, to support survivors of GBV" said Mosupyoe. 

With regards to substance abuse, MEC outlined interventions aimed at dealing with the scourge through government-sponsored programs that includes Ke Moja programme, a national initiative that is conducted by the department’s funded NPOs.