VRYHEID KZN: ANC women stand up and fight gender-based violence

Calls continue to grow for the law to take its course against perpetrators of gender-based violence (GBV). Last week Friday, the ANC Women’s League in the region took to the streets to voice their objection to violence against women and children in their communities and around the world. The ANC Women’s League members ended their protest in Church Street at the Vryheid SAPS building, where they sang and danced along with women from eDumbe, Ulundi, Vryheid and Pongola, who held up placards bearing messages such as ‘GBV PERPETRATORS MUST ROT IN JAIL’ and ‘TAKE A STAND AGAINST GBV AS A CRIMINAL ACT’. Phumzile Selepe said, “Since last year, Vryheid has been faced with many cases in connection with GBV, but we see no action or steps being taken, so we are here today as women to plead with the SAPS to hear our cries as South African women.” Referring to the words of the president, the chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the region, Nkosikhona Mdlalose, said, “While the whole world is fighting the Covid-19 pandemic, gender-based violence is a second pandemic that we have to fight against. We are out here to fight against rape, murder and assault of women in our communities and around the world.” Ntombifuthi Sikhakhane from the ANC Women’s League in the Ulundi region also gave a speech, but she first urged people to continue wearing their masks and adhere to lockdown regulations in order to protect themselves and the next person. She went on to read out the memorandum that was issued to Vryheid SAPS, stating that: “We, as South Africans, want to stand up against the abuse of women and children. We all call for the public protectors to prosecute those who harm women and children. GBV robs women of opportunities in the world; women wish for the day when they can walk freely without fear in their democratic country. Men must say ‘NO’, it will not happen in our name. Victims and survivors must learn to speak out against any form of violence.” She concluded her speech by saying: “This is not for any specific political party, it is for all of us to stand up against GBV.” Officer Hadebe from Vryheid SAPS said they are aware that there are women who are still too afraid to speak up, as they are scared for their lives or their children’s lives. “If you decide to speak up, we, as the public protectors, will take the necessary steps. Not only victims should report that they are being violated; if you know and see someone being abused, don’t keep quiet, come and report the matter to us.” Officer Hadebe then signed the memorandum that was given to him by the ANC Women’s League. ALSO READ:ANC Women’s League take a stand against crime

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