Posted in News on May 30, 2002.
The Minister of Social Development Zola Skeyiya was also invited and attended the opening to reinforce the message during this week, which is "Child Protection week".
Chiefs PRO Putco Mafani, assistant coach Doc Khumalo and assistant brand manager Vivian Casaletti attended on behalf of Chiefs.
After the Minister's speech Chiefs made a statement regarding their involvement in fighting woman and child abuse and their endorsement and partnership with Open Disclosure Foundation.
In brief the Minister called on partnerships and volunteerism in addressing plight of homeless victims and survivors of abuse.
Mafani stated: "Apart from the Takalani and Carol Shaw active involvement, we at Kaizer Chiefs are taking the call of the President seriously, volunteering all our fan-based communication tools to endorse the message against the abuse of women and children.
"Following this Open Disclosure was launched on March 9 2002 by Andile, Kaizer Chiefs, Y-FM and Be a friend foundation.
"With the help of Acer Africa, Y-FM and Standard Bank, Amakhosi will be launching the Open Disclosure Foundation, a Non Profitable Organisation that will assist abused survivors & encourage them to disclose their state. Our slogan is 'Talking is therapy and therapy is talking'.
"A fund raising dinner gala is being organised on the 8th of August with the objective of starting a safe house for the survivors and victims.”
Doc Khumalo gave an emotional speech and humbly pledged 10 percent of the gate-takings from his benefit game that will be played between Chiefs and Pirates on a date soon to be confirmed.
“For those of you that don't know, I was born here in Dube, and I would like to plough back to the community that made me what I am today and I challenge all other players and clubs to do the same," said Khumalo.
Minister Skweyiya has pledged his utmost support to the Open Disclosure Foundation and promised he would be attending the opening of the Open Disclosure Safe House.
