In a bid to make child rape survivors feel safe when they testify against their perpetrators, Spar Eastern Cape has renovated the child waiting room and the intermediary room at the Gqeberha High Court.
The newly renovated rooms were unveiled and handed over to the Senior Deputy Director Of Public Prosecutions, Indra Goberdan, on Tuesday.
Child witnesses give evidence from an intermediary room located adjacent to the courtroom, using a video camera that facilitates communication between all of the parties.
In the Gqeberha High Court about 16 trials that are placed on the roll are rape matters.
The ages of the victims range between 8 years to 80 years old, both male and female.
Goberdan said the DPP wanted to make the rooms, which had previously been "cold and clinical" a safe and conducive space for child witnesses.
"To come into an environment like this can be extremely daunting for a child, particularly when you know that you'll have to share a story that scarred you for life.
"When the victims arrive they sometimes have to pass the accused persons in the passages or wait for some time before their case is called to testify.
"The finished product bears testament that so much more went into this project than just slapping some paint onto the walls," said Goberdan.
Among others, Spar and the DPP consulted with a psychologist who advised them on which paint colour schemes would be calming and would promote feelings of optimism.
Advertising Coordinator at SPAR, Roseann Shadrach said they are intricately involved in the communities that they serve.
"As a brand, we believed that this was one of the most important projects that Spar could identify with and attach our brand to.
"We want to leave a legacy for every single child and guardian that walks through those doors in the future."
Shadrach thanked all of the roleplayers involved for the love, effort and intent that went into making the project a reality.
