GBV takes centre stage at Leeuwkop prison’s Under the Tree Dialogues

Inequality, domestic violence and sexual assault plague the lives of thousands of women across South Africa, and ends the lives of many of them too. It’s time to challenge the social structures that allow this sort of violence against women to continue.

On 5 March, Leeuwkop prison offenders joined the community and other stakeholders in tackling a painful but necessary discussion on gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF). The event forms part of the Department of Correctional Services and Department of Justice and Constitutional Development’s Under the Tree Dialogues, a series of meetings that are undertaken to vigorously engage with men and boys about violence and challenge patriarchal attitudes and beliefs which contribute towards GBVF.

“I want to applaud each and every one of you who is behind this campaign,” said Patrick Shai, an actor known for his role in 7de Laan and who now works as a gender-based violence activist after reckoning with his own history of violence against women.

“We can make a difference, we can make it right. The president [Cyril Ramaphosa] has spoken [and said South Africa needs to reckon with GBVF], and we have spoken. Enough is enough.

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“For 20 years I did wrong [and abused my own wife], but now I’m working hard to make up for what I had done.”

During the dialogue, participants were presented with five different scenarios around gender-based violence aimed at encouraging open and honest communication around larger social issues. Leeuwkop offenders, including those who have been jailed for similar crimes against women and children, bravely tackled the subject and spoke with candour about their own feelings, actions and experiences.

The Leeuwkop Offenders Choir performed a number of times throughout the event, and even composed a special piece apologising to the victims of crime and asking for forgiveness.

Grace Molatedi, the Gauteng Regional Commissioner of Correctional Services, was a special guest at the event and welcomed guests with a powerful speech. “GBVF is a plight that grips our country, there isn’t a month that goes by without us hearing about crime against women and children.

“The problem is deeply entrenched in our country, and this type of dialogue, which we have been hosting across the country and especially Gauteng, aims to target as many men and boys as possible.”

After the official dialogue was over, participants got to enjoy a soccer match between Leeuwkop offenders and a team of soccer legends from teams like the Moroka Swallows before attendees had lunch.

Details: www.dcs.gov.za

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https://www.citizen.co.za/fourways-review/325214/sona2020-8-highlights-president-cyril-ramaphosas-sona-speech/