The high rate of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa has given rise to significant public support to end GBV. One such example of this support was when uThukela District Municipality hosted the ‘Women Against GBV’ event in Council Chambers recently.
Political leaders who graced the event included uThukela Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, Deputy Mayor NW Mchunu, Inkosi Langalibalele Mayor J Mbele, Cllr S Msibi, Cllr T Shabalala, Ms DCP Mazibuko, District Chaplain Pastor Maphalala and other stakeholders. Women employees wore black dresses and ‘doeks’ to show their solidarity with those who have been abused and murdered.
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The event was held under the #Sekwanele banner.
Chaplain Maphalala led the house in powerful prayer, seeking God’s intervention in this seemingly never-ending plight. Various speakers gave messages of support, speaking strongly against women and child abuse.
Ms Mazibuko said that GBV has escalated beyond compare and that we need to turn our attention to God for help, since the 16 Days of Activism campaign does not seem to bear any positive results. In his address, Mayor Mazibuko said this was a clarion call to every man in the country to stand up against women abuse. He also condemned the xenophobic attacks in some parts of the country.
The mayor then called upon all women to support each other in order to succeed in life. Deputy Mayor Mchunu also addressed the gathering, outlining the effects of GBV in society. According to uThukela, although government has made some efforts towards ending GBV, these have been marred by inefficient co-ordination and almost no budget provisions made towards prevention and services.
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