Tears of triumph and stories of hope were shared at Wynberg NGO Mosaic’s 30th anniversary celebration.
On the eve of Women’s Day, Mosaic training and healing centre hosted a fundraising gala with the theme “pieces 2 peace” and it was clear the impact and reach of the organisation that has provided much needed services to over 2 million women since their start.
The event also honoured the 20 000 women of all races who marched on the Union Buildings on August 9, 1956, to hand over a petition against Apartheid’s pass laws, as well as today’s survivors fighting against gender-based violence.
Mosaic was created to help women and girls who have survived domestic violence and abuse, to support them in their healing process and empower them to make positive changes in their lives.
The organisation provides a supportive environment to aid in their healing process and ensure they become proactive drivers of positive change in their own lives and focus not only on the individual survivor, but also on intimate partner or family relationships, and the community.
Author and poet Lebohang Masango said stories of gender-based violence are not matters of rumour but something that is always close to home.
“With my own experiences of it too I have a profound appreciation for the way in which Mosaic has a very broad view of the complexity of the ways in which violence can spread – because violence is not only physical,” said Ms Masongo.
She sang the praises of the organisation and commended the group for their unwavering support to women.
“It is absolutely phenomenal to be able to reach out and provide healing for 2 million people in our country. It is really incredible and I hope more people will help Mosaic to continue to capacitate people, to go into communities, to provide help to not only people who have survived GBV and intimate partner violence but also teach and make boys and men understand how not to be part of the problem.”
Keynote speaker Rachel Kolisi spoke about the resilience of women and girls, the importance of organisations such as Mosaic and why the Kolisi Foundation, which she started with husband, Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, collaborated with Mosaic.
“Women are incredibly important and the value that they bring to our country, society and communities is unquestionable so it is important to honour and remember everything that women do not just this month or on a specific day but every other day.
“It is such a privilege and honour to collaborate with Mosaic and I know they’ll continue their good work for the next 30 years.”
Western Cape MEC for Social Development Jaco Londt attended the event.
“There is a lack of access to sexual, reproductive health and services and rights education so what Mosaic is doing is truly visionary. As it is Women’s Month it is especially important to highlight the work of Mosaic since the mid 90’s, training women from various communities to become empowered and fully understand their rights,” said Mr Londt.
Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan, executive director for Mosaic, said it was a privilege and honour to be part of the NGO.
“We thank all our staff, partners and everyone who’s been on this journey with us. We especially thank those who have shared their stories and allowed us into their lives because as much as Mosaic has helped them, they have also helped and changed us in so many ways. We are forever grateful.”
