Cape Town-based comedians have come together to raise funds for organisations working tirelessly to ensure the rights of women and children, and particularly survivors of gender-based violence, are upheld and safeguarded.
Yesterday marked the first day of the annual observance of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.
The effort by the comedians forms part of the awareness campaign, with all funds raised to be donated to the Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust and the Women’s Legal Centre.
The comedy fundraiser will take place on December 8, at 7pm at Ground Culture Café in Observatory.
Performers include Yaaseen Barnes, Eugene Mathews, Arlene Petersen, Kenwyn Davids, Candace Fortune, Khanyisile Ngwenya, Kaashif Stellenboom, Nate Levinrad, and Saya Fierce-Jones.
One of the organisers, Saya PierceJones (stage name Fierce-Jones) said the comedians recognise the important work being done by the beneficiary organisations.
Pierce-Jones said they wanted to use their skills to help fund the organisations’ crucial work.
“Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust acts as a first responder in sexual offences, assisting victims with their recovery or to seek justice if they desire. They even prepare victims to face the courts, ensuring they have the best chance of securing a conviction. These services are free for victims, but must be funded somehow. Similarly, the Women’s Legal Centre provides assistance to the most vulnerable in our courts. Just this month, they were required to appear in the Supreme Court of Appeal where the Social Development Department is trying to overturn a landmark victory for adoption rights. These services are also costly.”
The comedians are hoping to not just raise funds for these organisations, but also awareness around their services.
Women’s Legal Centre acting director, Charlene May, expressed their gratitude for the initiative.
“Violence against women and children can only be addressed through collective action and solidarity, and this fundraiser exemplifies that spirit. We applaud these comedians for not only speaking out against the pandemic of violence against women, but also for recognising the importance of the Women’s Legal Centre’s work in fighting for women’s rights and justice.”
Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust communications coordinator, Sino Mdunjeni, said the support would make a significant difference in the lives of survivors of sexual violence.
“On behalf of the Rape Crisis Cape Town Trust, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the organisers, performers and attendees of the comedy fundraiser. Thank you for using your platform to raise awareness and help us continue our mission to support, empower and uplift survivors of GBV in South Africa.”
Tickets are available via Quicket (16 Days of Activism Comedy Fundraiser) for R150.
There is also a separate ticketing option for donations to allow for donations to be made.
Cape Argus