This is according to social development MEC Nkakareng Rakgoale who expressed her shock on the rising numbers stating that in August alone social workers attended to about 480 GBV cases.
“It is worrying that these cases even happen during women’s month. We appeal to all South Africans to use this Women’s Month to take the fight against Gender Based Violence to the next level.
Let us all emulate the women of 1956 who took a stand against the oppressive pass laws by staging a peaceful march. Let’s take our own stand and confront the scourge of Gender Based
Violence that undermines and strips away the dignity and human rights of women and children,” she said.
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Her department was calling on the civil society, law enforcement agencies, the justice system and real men to join hands in creating a safer environment for the most vulnerable people in the society.
“The only way to stop the alarming rate on the attack of women and children who are being regarded as the vulnerable people of our society is to get every citizen to be involved in the fight against the scourge of GBV.
I am pleased to report that the department of social development, together with transport and community safety have developed an action plan which will see all stakeholders, the civil society, Chapter 9 institutions, traditional leaders, faith based organizations, members of the media among others coming together and find ways of confronting GBV head on,” she said.
Premier Stanley Mathabatha instructed the two departments to establish a technical committee which will be redoubling government’s efforts in the fight against the violence meted against women and children.
“I want to urge people who are experiencing and witnessing Gender Based Violence to break the silence by informing our social workers and the police.
“People who are in abusive relationships must just walk away because if they don’t do so these abusers will continue to violate their rights. The alarming rate of the attacks on women and children are not just statistics but the violation of human rights, including the right to life” she said.
Tzaneen police spokesperson Sgt Maurice Nkhwashu also expressed his concern on the issue.
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“The numbers are alarming and we appeal to members of the community to work with the police to fight Gender Based Violence, together we can fight GBV,” he said.
Nkhwashu said children should be taught while they are still young that violence is not good and parents should lead by example.
He said children likely to imitate what they see and when parents always fight in their presence it gives an impression that violence is normal.
Nkhwashu also urged members of the community to report perpetrators of GBV.
“They know these perpetrators because they live with them, they can report them anonymously so by giving the police information of where the incident took place, the police will attend the matter,” he said.
