OPP to open new Regional Office in Newscastle

In its continued effort to bring services closer to the people, the OPP will officially open a new Regional Office in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal on 09 December 2009. The event takes place at the time when South Africa and the rest of the world are observing the 19th anniversary of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women Campaign.

Adv Thulisile Madonsela, the Deputy Minister for Justice and Constitutional Development Andries Nel and representatives from other Chapter Nine institutions are expected to lead proceedings on the day. During the event the OPP will pledge its support for the campaign, highlighting the role it plays in relation to gender violence and the protection of children’s rights.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women Campaign is a United Nations initiative, which is commemorated annually from 25 November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women) until 10 December (International Human Rights Day). This period also includes Universal Children’s Day and World AIDS Day. Since 1999, the South African government has been running a parallel campaign that goes a step further to take into account the issues relating to violence against children.