Mbombela’s Imvelo Recyclers march against gender-based violence
Portia Mathebula, one of the protesters, said they want to raise awareness and dispel the misconception that GBV only affects women.
After learning that one of their male co-workers was allegedly murdered by his lover, the employees of Imvelo Recyclers co-ordinated a gender-based violence (GBV) march on Friday August 12, to raise awareness and to educate the local people about this scourge.
During the lockdown in 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa said GBV was a second pandemic the nation was dealing with, and that it needed to be treated seriously.
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Portia Mathebula, one of the protesters, said they want to raise awareness and dispel the misconception that GBV only affects women.
“One of our colleagues was allegedly murdered by his lover, and this is a clear indication that the scourge also affects males. We want to teach people that men can also experience violence from their partners, and that it is not a shame if they report this matter to the police. We are conveying the unambiguous message that violence against women, girls, boys and men of any kind is never acceptable.”
Additionally, it is essential for the victims to know their rights and the support options available to them.”
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Speaking at the awareness campaign, Warrant Officer Gerald Sedibe encouraged the KaNyamazane community to report cases of abuse and rape at their nearest police station, and asked them to download the My SAPS app for an easier method of reporting crimes.
“Sometimes violence starts at home, and it is something that children can learn from their parents at a young age and grow up thinking is acceptable. Regardless of whether it is perpetrated by a relative or a complete stranger, abuse is never accepted in this community. Everyone is advised to report it. By acting morally, we must come together to put an end to abuse in our homes and communities.
Men who encounter GBV should not be ashamed to report it. If they are being abused by their female partners, men should avoid the stereotype that they are strong and do not need help,” he said.
We have victim-friendly rooms at the police stations where all victims of GBV and rape may report crimes, and I can guarantee that they will get the greatest support possible without being judged. People reporting these delicate issues may request assistance from whoever they feel most at ease with.”
Representatives from correctional services and social services also attended the awareness campaign.
