​On Monday, 25 September 2025, Gauteng MEC for Social Development, Faith Mazibuko urged girl learners to rise above social challenges and become future leaders during a visit to Davey Secondary School in Daveyton, Eastern Corridor.
The visit formed part of the Orange Day Campaign, which raises awareness about gender-based violence, bullying, gangsterism, and substance abuse. Mazibuko also handed over 250 dignity packs to girl learners; this is aimed at helping to restore confidence and ensure they attend school with dignity.

The dignity packs included sanitary towels, roll-on, petroleum jelly, bar soap, body lotion, toilet paper, and toothpaste - essentials that often stand in the way of learners' full participation in education.

"As the Gauteng Department of Social Development, it is our duty to ensure that no girl misses school because of a lack of sanitary towels. It is also our responsibility to ensure that no learner misses class because of a lack of school uniform," said MEC Mazibuko.

She further emphasized the importance of Orange Day, observed on the 25th of every month, which encourages communities worldwide to wear orange and take action against violence targeting women and girls.

"We visited Davey Secondary School because this township records many cases of abuse. We wanted to encourage learners with knowledge and resources so that they grow up as responsible citizens," she added.

The campaign also highlighted the growing concern of bullying in schools. Eastern Corridor Social Work Manager, Tozama Tshabane, stressed the Department's intervention role.

"Bullying in schools is out of control. As the Department, we have school social workers who support learners who might be victims of bullying. We call on every learner to work with us in fighting this scourge and to use social media responsibly," said Tshabane.

The handover reflects the Department's ongoing commitment to empowering young girls, protecting learners from harmful social ills, and promoting education as a tool for building resilient communities. Mazibuko also embarked on door-to-door visits in Qalabosha informal settlement, educating the residents about the prevention of Gender-Based Violence against women and children and where to access help should a need arise.