As a mutual society, funeral service and insurance provider, ICMIF member AVBOB (South Africa) says it is intrinsically involved in the communities it serves. Therefore, as part of this year’s Mandela Month commemorations, the group has joined the fight against Gender-based Violence (GBV) by donating to several non-government organisations (NGOs) across the country.

During the first week of the COVID-19 lockdown, over 87,000 cases of GBV were reported to police in South Africa. Since then, there have been many reports that indicate that there has been a surge in GBV cases.

As such, AVBOB says it has seen it as incumbent on the organisation to join the fight to create awareness around such a pervasive human condition. In the past, AVBOB has already taken a public stance against GBV, led by CEO Carl van der Riet. But it is intensifying efforts with the launch of a new campaign against GBV, which it has kicked off by donating a total of ZAR 210,000 to seven NGOs across South Africa. This is a prelude to a national initiative that will be launched in the next couple of days.

In response to the launch of AVBOB’s anti-GBV initiatives, Van der Riet said, “As we mark the end of another Mandela Month, it is fitting to start with Madiba’s words on the issue that we’ve all taken a stand against. He said that ‘our freedom remains incomplete, as long as we are denied our security by those who commit violence against our women and children.’

Looking at the state of our nation today, his words still ring painfully true. Adults and children are trapped at home with abusive partners or parents, and as the financial stresses of unemployment exacerbate the situation even further, it’s up to all of us to take a stand and to help end the scourge of violence against the most vulnerable members of our society.”

Van der Riet adds that AVBOB’s primary objective is to show its stakeholders that it is not only creating awareness, but that it is taking definitive action. “Furthermore, as a mutual, AVBOB supports people, communities and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of those around us.  This bears testament that AVBOB remains true to its brand promise, We’re here for you®”

Read more about the seven NGOs that have received donations on the AVBOB website.