Vhembe launches anti-GBV programme

LIMPOPO – Organisations fighting gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide are calling on women to speak out against all forms of abuse to help end the killing of women and children.

On Friday, DC Academy in partnership with GBV Training, the police and the Vhembe District Municipality, launched a programme aimed at assisting GBV victims.

The event, held at the municipality’s council chamber, attracted hundreds of attendees from across the district.

Azwidalingani Matodzi, the director of DC Academy and GBV Training, explained the programme’s focus is to combat abuse against women, girls, and boys, noting that boys are also victims of abuse.

“We will be training communities, farmers, and anyone who needs it to help them recognise signs of abuse, as many people are unaware that what they are experiencing is abuse,” she said.

Matodzi advised those facing abuse to seek psychological help or leave abusive situations.

At the launch, Mulalo Randela, a GBV ambassador from Mukondeni Hamashamba village, shared her harrowing personal experience.

She said that in 2015, she began a relationship that ended tragically in 2019 when her former partner attacked her with pangas after she refused to forgive him.

Randela praised the DC Academy for providing medical and emotional support in the aftermath of the attack.

Vhembe Mayor Freda Nkondo praised the organisations involved, saying their dedication and willingness to fight and protect the vulnerable is commendable.

“GBV continues to inflict pain and cost lives, and it is crucial for us to provide social and psychological support to the victims.”

Nkondo also noted the challenges faced by Vhembe, one of South Africa’s most rural districts, which sees high levels of GBV, especially in Thulamela.

She called for collective action, saying: “We must join hands in this fight. The actions we take now will determine whether we eradicate this crime or let it continue to plague our society.”