Thembisa community march against GBV
"Make certain the environment where you grew up has no bearing on your future or who you become,” said Mtshali.
Regular reports about the rape and murder of LGBTQIA+ girls and women led to anti-gender-based violence organisation Women and Family Centre in Thembisa hosting a protest march on
October 21 from Ehlanzeni grounds to the Thembisa Police Station.
The organisation partnered with Sakhisizwe Home Based Care, Powa, Thembisa police, Thembisa for Jesus and Nacwo in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.
ALSO READ: Rosemary found guilty on six counts of murder
According to one of the organisers, Bishop Michael Mtshali, the organisation’s goal is to share society’s duty for ensuring women and children feel safe, secure, respected and loved.
“We wanted to raise awareness and pray for the fight against GBV in our community. As a Thembisa stakeholder forum, we sought to do that through praying together.
“This was the feeling of more than 50 residents who left the comfort of their offices and homes to march against child abuse and GBV. It is our responsibility as community leaders to assist our community, particularly the vulnerable, and to act as an advocate for them, especially during Covid-19, as it also played a huge role in the increase of cases during this period,” said Mtshali.
This Thembisa stakeholder forum collaborated with drop-in centres to help gather data on vulnerable people.
“The community must support our efforts by reporting cases of GBV to social workers, police or even organisations such as Powa. You have the option of reporting anonymously. Let us work together as a Thembisa community.”
Mtshali encouraged young people to invest in their communities and make a difference by encouraging education.
“Make certain the environment where you grew up has no bearing on your future or who you become,” said Mtshali.
Also follow us on:
