Man on a mission to eradicate gender-based violence
KABOKWENI - Gender-based violence (GBV) is rife in South Africa. Such incidents increased significantly during the lockdown, with numerous women and children being killed.
Thelile Thabethe, a local resident, is fighting against this scourge in and around KaBokweni.
“GBV is abuse inflicted on vulnerable individuals; both men and women, girls and boys. It can be physical, emotional or psychological,” he said.
Thabethe mentioned that culture and certain traditions make way for such incidents. “In most rural areas young girls are forced to marry older men without their consent. It is instilled in them that women should be submissive to men.” According to him, it is common in business institutions.
“Managers and CEOs often take advantage of women and young men who are looking for employment,” he said.
He added that alcohol also contributes to GBV. “Alcohol makes people uncontrollable and aggressive towards one another. When some individuals are under the influence, they tend to abuse their loved ones,” he said.
Thabethe believes that such incidents can be eradicated by bringing balance in power between men and women. “There should be equal opportunities and a balance between men and women in organisations.
“They should teach girls from a young age to see and value one another beyond the labels that separate us. We should see others as humans without creating a barrier that makes one think that they are superior,” he stressed.
According to him, there are many cases that go unreported. “The justice system should rule with an iron fist and perpetrators should be denied bail.”
He added that there are numerous men who report GBV, but are ridiculed by the police.
“There should be serious consequences for officials who belittle male victims. It should be normalised to break the silence on men and stigma that they can not be abused.”
In light of this, Thabethe started a campaign against this scourge because he wanted to take a stand against the brutal killing of women and children during lockdown.
“This is something that caught my attention at a very young age. I have a family member who plays a significant role in my life, who was once a victim of GBV,” he said.
Thabethe does social campaigns where he stands on the street with placards, sending a message to passersby. He also uses social media platforms to discuss such issues and give people the chance to speak out.
“Some of my friends and I have covered KaBokweni and Mbombela, but we plan on going to nearby communities like KaNyamazane, Mganduzweni and Nkomazi,” he said.
Thabethe had planned a march to bring men and women together to fight against GBV, but it was unfortunately cancelled.
“The main aim was to bring people together to converse about these issues and share different ideas on finding solutions while embarking on the march.
“It was postponed due to the increasing number of Covid-19 infections,” he concluded.