Lifeline Johannesburg Hosts16 Days of Activism Event in Braamfontein, Bringing Hope, Awareness and Support to Vulnerable Communities
By Sithembile Moyo
As part of the national 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, Lifeline Johannesburg hosted a powerful awareness event at Epilespy Training centre in Braamfontein, bringing together partner organisations, survivors, and service providers to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and promote the rights and dignity of people with disabilities.
The event was attended by Africa Tikkun, Lawyers Against Abuse, Hillbrow Clinic,Family Violence,Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units (FCS SAPS) NICRO, and members of the Epilepsy SA community. Each organisation contributed messages of safety, healing, legal support, and empowerment. A representative from Hillbrow Clinic delivered a simple but profound reminder “Love yourself enough to report anything that hurts you. If something doesn’t feel right, speak up and seek help.”
One of the key speakers was Maggie, Manager at Epilepsy Johannesburg South Africa. she explained the purpose and impact of the centre, highlighting how it offers safety, structure, and dignity to adults with epilepsy and other disabilities. Maggie said. “We call it a protective workshop because we are protecting people with epilepsy and other disabilities from the dangers on the streets. Many of our beneficiaries are vulnerable when they are outside, but here they are safe, respected, and surrounded by people who understand them.”
The centre accommodates individuals aged 18 to 59, with ongoing discussions with the Department of Social Development to allow continued participation beyond that age. Participants attend Monday to Friday, engaging in structured activities that promote skill-building, routine, and social connection. These activities include the assembly of electrical blocks, cleaning industrial street-sweeper brushes, and group engagement sessions. For many, this environment becomes a second home. “What makes them excited is being together,” Maggie explained. “They joke, they talk, they support each other. They even fall in love we have married couples here who met through the centre. They are human beings like everyone else and deserve happiness too.”
Maggie emphasised that the organisation does not provide disability grants but assists participants with referrals to the Department of Social Development and connects them with social workers to help with applications. She also highlighted the broader support ecosystem within the building, including a programme for the deaf community that offers training and access to job placements. Epilepsy Johannesburg SA also has a residential facility based in Springs for individuals with severe disabilities who require 24-hour care. “At Springs we have nurses who attend to seizures and other health needs. Our Johannesburg branch is here for daily development and protection,” she noted.
Maggie urged the community to stop hiding children and adults with disabilities at home. “Keeping them indoors does not help,” she said firmly. “Bring them to organisations that can support them. When they come here, they learn about GBV, they learn about their rights, and they learn how to report abuse. Knowledge protects them. “She added that referrals are welcome but must be accompanied by a family member to ensure a proper understanding of the individual’s background and needs. Representatives from partner organisations delivered uplifting messages. Mosina from LifeLine said “Today we celebrate activism with our deaf community at Epilepsy Johannesburg SA. We reminded them that they are loved they are kings and queens. They matter. “Through powerful testimonies, educational sessions, and collaborative support, the event reinforced a central message: people with disabilities deserve safety, dignity, and full inclusion in society. Epilepsy South Africa and its partners vowed to continue working together beyond the 16 days building safer communities every day of the year.
