March sets 16 Days of Activism in motion
THE devastating reality of gender-based violence (GBV) is collectively being tackled by industries and organisations throughout 16 Days of Activism.
On Wednesday, to mark the launch of the 16-day period between 25 November and 10 December, LifeLine Zululand, Mtubatuba SAPS, members of the taxi industry, representatives from the Department of Social Development, among others, led a peaceful march through the town of Mtubatuba.
LifeLine Zululand social worker Nomfundo Zibane Mthethwa said the organisation, which provides assistance to Zululanders dealing with various social ills, aimed to raise awareness about the scourge of GBV through this march.
"It is important that people report cases to the police so the guilty parties can be arrested," said Zibane Mthethwa.
She added that the march was also a call to eradicate the practice of accepting livestock to resolve child rape.
"This must come to an end and those guilty of such crimes must face the full might of the law."
Mtubatuba SAPS spokesperson Captain Justice Hlabisa said one of the areas with the highest rate of GBV was Dukuduku, outside St Lucia.
"Victims from Dukuduku and other areas around Mtubatuba must remember that the police are there to assist them," said Hlabisa.
"The march is important to us as the police because we are sending out a message that violence against women and children must come to an end."
Mtubatuba CPF chair Sindisiwe Ngubane said, "Women are having to deal with serious issues, as they are sometimes afraid to speak out because the abuser is the breadwinner.
"We also encourage men who are victims of GBV to speak out. Most of the time they remain silent because they are scared of being ridiculed.
"Men's forums should be re-established so men can have the support they need," said Ngubane.