Residents of Vryheid have made their stance on gender-based violence clear.
Communities from the area took part in the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children Campaign, which commenced on November 25 and will continue up until December 10, which is also International Human Rights Day.
On November 23, the campaign brought together the Department of Sport and Recreation (DSR) Zululand, Government departments and fitness clubs.
The day started off at the eMondlo Community Hall with a brisk two kilometre walk, led by children holding up posters condemning the abuse of women and children.
The official programme began with messages of encouragement by several officials.
Phathumusa Sithole (Communications Officer: DSR Zululand), who also chairs the organisation and planning committee, expressed his appreciation to all departments and private individuals who were involved in the campaign.
A message made clear by the initiative is the stance of ‘enough is enough’.
This was also the message from offenders at the Ncome Prison’s Management Area Medium B (Correctional Services) on November 27, after a debate was called for through Head of Social Services, Ms Ndebele.
The main topic of discussion was if ‘men who brutally murder and rape women and children should be allowed in society’.
Assistant Director and Communications Manager, Nkosinathi Nene called it ‘encouraging’ to observe that most offenders in prison were against these acts of violence, while Ms Ndebele expressed her concern that most imprisoned individuals were found guilty of murdering and raping women in front of their young children.
Prince Nhlanganiso Zulu, son of King Goodwill Zwelithini, reminded the offenders of their roles in society.
He concluded by urging them to become ‘responsible South African citizens’ who would one day ‘protect women and children when they were released from prison’.
ALSO READ: 16 Days of Activism: What you need to know
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