MOSAIC Voices Newsletter

Director's Note

As we approach the close of 2024, I find myself reflecting on the year's incredible momentum. Time seems to have moved swiftly, yet the depth of our impact remains clear. Every achievement has been shaped by the unwavering commitment of our entire team. While the fatigue of the year-end may creep in, l encourage us all to carry forward the same energy, passion, and feminist drive into the final months that we brought into the start of this journey.

This past quarter, MOSAIC had the privilege of collaborating with Jelly Beanz at the 12th Annual Child Trauma Conference, themed Healing Generations. This powerful two-day event brought together key stakeholders to explore critical methodologies for healing trauma, particularly focusing on the intersectionality of violence against women and children in relationships, homes, and communities. The exchange of knowledge and solidarity at this conference was a reminder of the vital work being done in this field.

As a proudly African feminist organisation, Heritage Month was a time of celebration for us. We marked the occasion with communal gatherings filled with food, movement, and self-care practices uplifting the strength of our collective heritage.

In addition, we successfully concluded our second pilot, testing the 13-week Family Strengthening Programme in partnership with the University of Cape Town.

This programme is designed to empower families with nonviolent ways of handling challenges, fostering unity and seeking support where it is available. We also continued to host community engagement, education, and awareness sessions, finding every opportunity to contribute to a more just society.

We were deeply honoured to welcome distinguished guests to MOSAIC this quarter, including representatives from the British High Commission and the MEC of Western Cape Social Development. The importance of these visits cannot be overstated; when duty-bearers engage with our services, listen to the challenges we face, and recognise our future goals, we build bridges for collaboration in the fight against gender-based violence.

As we enter the final three months of 2024, l urge us to continue harnessing the power of collective action. Together, we can push forward the transformation of our key areas: Access to Justice, Healing, Economic Empowerment, Gender Equality, and Safety for survivors.

Looking ahead, we have many exciting projects on the horizon, including preparations for the 16 Days of Activism, an opportunity for all of us to recommit to stand against violence in relationships, homes and communities for the next 365 Days.

Your unwavering support remains invaluable to us as we strive to build a society that is safer, more equitable, and just for all.

Yours in soliderity

Adv Tarisai Mchuchu-MacMillan
Executive Director, MOSAIC

CELEBRATING PROFESSOR FLORETTA BOONZAIER'S INAUGURAL LECTURE

We attended the inaugural lecture of Professor Floretta Boonzaier, a valued MOSAIC board member and Professor in the Department of Psychology at UCT, Co-Director of the Hub for Decolonial Feminist Psychologies in Africa, among her many accomplishments.

Her lecture, titled "Finding Hope and Healing while Researching Violence: Decolonial Feminist Explorations into Gender-Based Violence and Femicide," was thought-provoking and inspiring. It deeply resonated with all in attendance.

Professor Boonzaier's research plays a significant role in shaping we all should think about CBV, reflect on the stories we tell, challenge dominant narratives around GBV, and particularly explore healing methodologies for survivors.

Our heartfelt congratulations goes out to Professor Boonzaier on this milestone and wish her continued success in her academic journey and look forward to her ongoing contributions on violence against women.

PROVINCIAL MIN, JACO LONDT SHELTER VISIT

As part of our Support and Healing pillar, MOSAIC collaborates with the National Shelter Movement and the Western Cape Shelter Movement to offer emergency and short-term residential support for women and their children.

Our shelters provide a safe haven for those who have experienced abuse and domestic violence, offering them a secure space to begin their healing journey.

This past quarter, we were honoured to host MEC for Social Development in the Western Cape, Jaco Londt, at our shelters.
The Minister toured the premises and engaged with our staff to better understand the challenges, activities, and day-to-day operations involved in running these critical spaces.

At MOSAIC, we go beyond offering physical safety. Thanks to the support of our partners and sponsors, we ensure safe transportation for women and children to and from our shelters. We also provide essential resources, including educational courses, professional skills development, and psychosocial support, to help women rebuild their lives.

Our mission is to empower each woman, activating their capacity to heal, regain confidence, and pursue a future free from violence.

To support our shelter, please feel free to drop off gently-worn clothing items, toys, educational materials and toiletries at our office.

Address: 66 Ottery Road, Wynberg 7800 or scan the QR Code below and support our work.

SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE JOINT TACTICAL HEADQUARTERS WC VISITS MOSAIC

The South African National Defence Force: Joint Tactical Headquarters WC Staff visited us for a day of learning and exchange. In a society where perpetrators often misuse service weapons to harm their partners, this visit was a crucial opportunity to educate and raise awareness about domestic violence.

Following the insightful education session, the Joint Tactical team explored and supported our Economic Empowerment survivor programme, purchasing apparel made by survivors from the in-house brand #Pieces2Peace. Their support, gratituce, and interest in future colla porations left us optimistic about working together towards creating safer communities.

FAMILY STRENGTHENING PROGRAMME:
BREAKING THE CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

We concluded our 13-week Family Strengthening Programme in partnership with UCT, focused on holistic and intersectional approaches to preventing violence against women and children. By working closely with parents, we aimed to break the cycle of violence at its root.

Each Saturday, couples engaged in thoughtful activities centred around key themes, such as the use of power within the family and how to wield that power in non-violent ways.
The programme provided a space for participants to reflect on their parenting styles, communication methods, and behaviours-helping them understand how these aspects impact their children. We are proud to have empowered these families to create safer, more nurturing environments for themselves and their children.

CHILD TRAUMA CONFERENCE:
HEALING GENERATIONS

On the 17-18 of October 2024, we hosted the Child Trauma Conference in partnership with Jelly Beanz. The 12th annual conference this year centred around the theme Healing Generations, exploring the long-term effects of trauma on current and future generations, focusing on creative interventions to break the cycle of abuse.

Over the two days, experts, practitioners, and professionals shared valuable insights into trauma-informed care, inter-sectoral collaboration, and community-building.

The theme emphasised the critical need to address online risks, harmful behaviours, and the connection between child trauma and GBV overarching key sub-themes which included:

•    The intersection of GBV and trauma in both adults and children, particularly related to domestic and intimate-partner violence.
•    Harmful sexual behaviours in children and ways to address these challenges.
•    Children's online safety, exploring how to navigate the digital world securely.

COMMEMORATING UYINENE MRWETYANA:
ANNUAL MARCH IN CAPE TOWN

We commemorated the fifth anniversary of Uyinene Mrwetyana's tragic death. We remembered the 19-year-old UCT student who was brutally raped and murdered in a post office in Claremont. Sadly, Uyinene's story echoes the fate of many women in our society.

From District Six to Parliament we walked — symbolising a shared and painful experience for civil society organisations tirelessly advocating for an end to violence against women in South Africa.

Moments like these reaffirm our commitment and remind us that we are not alone in this long battle. The annual Uyinene Mrwetyana march was a powerful moment of solidarity among organisations but also for the Mrwetyana family.

It was a poignant reminder that, despite the systems that failed their daughter in 2019, we remain united in the fight for justice and change.

FemmeMovement, a women's health and exercise physiology clinic, facilitated a day filled with movement, reflection, and joy.
The event kicked off with lively dance sessions that got everyone moving, shaking, and laughing, followed by sound-based mindfulness practices designed to calm the mind and rejuvenate the soul. It was a beautiful balance of fun and introspection, allowing our team to reconnect with each other and take a much-needed moment to focus on their own well-being.

But the day didn't end there. In true South African spirit, we gathered around for a traditional braai, complemented by a variety of delicious, home-cooked dishes that our hardworking team had prepared. It was more than just a celebration of heritage—it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the shared dedication of our MOSAIC family.

Taking this time to pause, reflect, and celebrate together was a reminder that while we work tirelessly to support survivors, we must also take care of ourselves to continue the fight for change.