PHAKAMA CAMPAIGN
"Get Up. Act"
Phakama – "Get up. Act."
Former Deputy President of South Africa Hon. Baleka Mbete and MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko, SAWIMA and all our supporters
Our first public campaign launched on Mandela Day – 18 July 2026 at Ikageng Hall, Mamelodi East, Gauteng – the #2 GBV hotspot in South Africa.
The campaign was a resounding success, uniting government leaders, civil society organisations, corporate partners, and the Mamelodi community in a powerful call to action.
"We are committing to work with you to declare war against gender-based violence."
— Hon. Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, MEC for Social Development, Gauteng
"Education changes mindsets. Awareness changes behaviour. Partnerships create sustainable impact."
— Ms. Fezeka Mavuso, Treasurer General, SAWIMA
"Our women suffer because they do not have a voice. We started this foundation to give them their voice back, to give them hope, and to show them that where they are is not the end."
— Siphokazi Buwa, Founder & Director, Healing Lives Foundation
Voices from the Launch
MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko addressing the community
SAWIMA Ms. Fezeka Mavuso at the Healing Lives Foundation Mandela Day Launch
📹 A Message from Hon. Baleka Mbete
Listen to Hon. Baleka Mbete, Former Deputy President of South Africa, speak about the importance of healing, ubuntu, and why she supports Healing Lives Foundation.
What Phakama Means for the Community
Phakama is more than a campaign—it is a movement. It calls on everyone to:
Get up – refuse to accept GBV as normal
Act – be part of the solution
Speak out – break the silence
Support – show up for survivors
Prevent – educate the next generation
Ms. Siphokazi Buwa Founder & Director, Healing Lives Foundation
Be Part of the Movement
The launch was just the beginning. Phakama continues through:
Community dialogues across all 9 provinces
School and youth programmes
Justice education and awareness campaigns
Skills training and economic empowerment initiatives
The Healing Lives SABC 1 series during the 16 Days of Activism
Mamelodi Community at Ikageng Community Hall Healing Lives Foundation Launch
Join us. Get up. Act.
