Entities march against GBVF

The department encouraged the public to take a stand against GBV.

December 6, 2023

Ntombikayise Sibeko 1 minute read

Marching through the streets of Etwatwa to send a strong message to perpetrators of violence against women and children are members of various government departments, police and faith-based organisations. Photo: Phetoho Maja.

The Gauteng Department of Social Development Ekurhuleni Regional Office recorded 637 cases of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) between October and November.

Residents of Etwatwa reported a number of these cases.

In response to these numbers, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni (CoE), government departments, law enforcement agencies, civil society and faith-based organisations, led a GBV march in Etwatwa on November 28.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children march began at Msana Street and proceeded to the Tshepo Themba Community Hall, where stakeholders working with GBV victims presented their services to the attendees.

Sharing their statistics, Lieutenant Colonel Kitchener Mabilu from the Etwatwa SAPS said from April to November, they recorded 343 cases of domestic violence, rape and assault with grievous bodily harm (GBH).

Lieutenant Colonel Kitchener Mabilu from the Etwatwa SAPS encouraged residents to report GBV to the police. Photo: Phetoho Maja.

“Assault with grievous bodily harm remains a problem in Etwatwa and happens mostly during weekends. The causes of these crimes are liquor-related,” said Mabilu.

Social Work manager Grace Moloi highlighted some of the work they do to assist abused women and children.

“As a department, through our GBV Unit, we assist victims with their court orders. We offer counselling and place them in our shelters for abused women and children. These shelters also assist with skills development programmes so that survivors exit the shelters with a proper plan that will sustain them and their families,” said Moloi.

She said they work in collaboration and fund NPOs such as People Opposing Women Abuse, Sechaba Community Care Centre, and Lifeline to reach victims within the communities.

Social Work manager Grace Moloi speaks about some of the work they do for victims of GBV. Photo: Phetoho Maja.

Thulane Sibanyoni of Sechaba Community Care Centre said their organisation, based in Emaphupheni, Etwatwa, offers psycho-social support to victims of GBV and perpetrator programmes to help them change their behaviours.

The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign is a United Nations campaign held annually from November 25 to December 10. The campaign focuses on raising awareness of the impact that GBVF has on women, children and society.

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