Mpumalanga premier calls for an end to GBVF incidents
Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane said Mandela Day was an opportunity for the province's citizens to reflect on fundamental measures to eradicate GBVF.
As the world celebrated International Nelson Mandela Day, the Mpumalanga Provincial Government called on its citizens to mark the day through measures to eradicate gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) in society.
Mandela Day is an annual celebration, declared by the United Nations in 2009, to advance the former statesman’s humanitarian values and principles of helping the vulnerable. This year’s theme was “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are”.
The Mpumalanga premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, said GBVF is inhumane and horrendous, a direct contradiction to Madiba’s values.
“Madiba would have spared no effort to fight GBVF. His 27 years’ imprisonment to fight for a non-racial society attests to this. As we mark this day, we call on all citizens to eradicate GBVF,” Mtshweni-Tsipane said.
The Provincial Government has planned a month-long programme of activities in July to achieve Mandela’s aspirations.
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This will take place across the province and include promoting communities’ backyard gardens and indigenous tree planting for food security.
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Mtshweni-Tsipane implored citizens, the business sector and NGOs to serve their 67 minutes by lending a helping hand to the vulnerable, including GBVF survivors and their families.
“Every effort counts. Let us all play our part by emulating Madiba’s values and principles. By so doing, we will be taking a step towards the achievement of a GBVF-free society,” she emphasised.
