Media Advisory

9 February 2024

Following the State of the Nation address, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu the Deputy Minister of Social Development in partnership with USAID will on Saturday 10 February launch ChommY in Manenberg, Western Cape. 

ChommY is a Social and Behavioural Change (SBC) programme for boys and girls between the ages of 10 to 14 years. Manenberg is largely a coloured community on the Cape Flats that has been characterised as an area plagued by gang-related violent crimes and drug abuse. 

ChommY, a colloquial term for “friend” seeks to build a positive friendship among children of ages between 10 and 14 years and to encourage the young boys and girls to motivate one another to minimise risky behaviour and social ills, including, bullying. 

The programme gives children the opportunity to develop a personal plan for their lives and emphasises the importance of support from parents and communities to enable young people to make informed decisions. The programme forms part of a basket of SBC programmes offered by the Department of Social Development. 

Observed under theme; “Invest in my Future…Protect me Today”, ChommY aims to generate knowledge, develop skills, and empower young people to make informed choices and contribute on reducing high prevalence of HIV infections, substance abuse and prevention of teenage pregnancy. 

Dr Bogopane-Zulu will facilitate dialogues with the children as they share their social experiences and solutions. Bokamoso the programme’s mascot will interact with the children as they participate in indigenous games.

Members of the media are invited to attend and cover the launch scheduled as follows:

Date: Saturday, 10 February 2024

Time: 09h00

Venue: Silverstream Primary School, 112 Jordan Street, Heideveld, Cape Town- Western Cape Province

Media can RSVP by contacting Ms. Makhosazana Mavuso on 072 732 9381 or on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ISSUED BY THE NATIONAL DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 

Media enquiries may be forwarded to Ms Lumka Oliphant on 083 484 8067 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.