Focusing on World Aids Day and GBV

Different speakers presented their views at a Gender-based Violence Awareness Campaign leading up to the World Aids Day.

The awareness campaign was held at the El Shaddai Church in Ackerville on Thursday, November 26.

Programme director Ms Sonto Nkosi said women and children are being abused and killed on daily bases and this has gone too far. She urged people to talk about abuses in their marriage and seek help. She also urged parents to be vigilant towards their children, to have open discussions, to love and protect their children at all times.

In his words of encouragements, Mr Simon Zwane said men and women are equal in the eyes of God. He also indicated that men are the main cause of abuses and violence towards women and children.

He said it was time that the silence is broken about abuse and violence towards women and children. He also outlined the causes of abuses and violence and the issue of absent fathers.

Ms Palesa Madonsela related stories of gender-based violence and challenged stereotype tendencies in church, at home and within communities.

She said there is a need to teach boys values and break the spirit of rape by speaking out. She indicated that there is a need to challenge the norms, to build strong and loving relationships.

Mr Ntswako Tlakula from the National Development Agency (NDA) said that we are living in sick communities where women, young girls are abused and violated on daily basis.

“Wrong things are approved and treated as normal, a woman is left bruised, naked just because she is a sex worker. There is a need to respect every woman, as NDA we are saying enough is enough this must stop. We need to join hands and stop this not during the 16 days but the whole year-round. Let’s support organisations, educate one another about GBV and put a stop to gender-based violence.”

Ms Thembi Ndlovu representing the Nkangala District said gender-based violence and HIV are on the increase and that community need to come together join hands support, coordinated all efforts towards a common goal.

Messages of support were also received from Mr Cassim Fakude chairperson of the Men’s Sector in the Nkangala District who outlined their programmes to spread the word in the whole district towards men to speak out and get help and not to suffer in silence.

Mr Rere Tlou from Municipal Public Accounts Committee (MPAC) also added his message of support.

Mr Dumisane Shongwe Small Enterprises Development Agency (SEDA) spoke about programmes offered by SEDA.