Mpumalanga’s Provincial Government launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign at Elukwatini Stadium in on November 25, 2024. This annual campaign, which runs until December 10, aims to address gender-based violence and promote the safety of women and children.
The Executive Mayor of Chief Albert Luthuli Municipality (CALM), Cllr Mbuso Magubane, welcomed attendees to the launch and highlighted the impact of gender-based violence in the community. He urged residents to refrain from actions contributing to this crisis and to work together to combat it. He emphasized that CALM prioritizes gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) as a critical issue and commended the contributions of NGO’s partnering with local municipalities.
The Premier of Mpumalanga, Mandla Ndlovu, stressed that the fight against GBVF requires continuous effort and cannot be confined to the 16-day period. He encouraged the community to maintain awareness and action throughout the year. “I would like to urge victims of GBVF to report incidents and they are assured that they will get the support without fear of secondary victimization or stigmatization. Victims have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
GBVF remains a societal issue requiring collective responsibility beyond the government’s efforts,” he said
Ndlovu added that in the Gert Sibande District Municipality, seven victim support shelters provide assistance to survivors of GBVF. He identified economic vulnerability as a significant contributor to GBVF, particularly for women with low incomes or who are unemployed, as this dependency often renders them more susceptible to abuse.
Parents were encouraged to serve as role models for their children as their relationships and actions influence their children’s future behaviour and attitudes. Ndlovu called for an end to the silence surrounding GBVF, emphasizing that open dialogue is essential to changing the narrative. The provincial government reiterated their commitment to creating safe spaces for women and children, emphasizing that addressing GBVF requires sustained effort and unity.
