Provincial focus
KwaZulu-Natal unites in the fight against genderbased violence
As the fight against women and child abuse gains momentum across the country, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is placing strong focus on the role of men and civil society in dealing with high levels of violence.
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu called on the men of the province to ensure that women are given the necessary support to nurture responsible citizens of the future.
Highlighting the important role played by women,he said: “Women continue to contribute to nation building by being actively involved as professionals in government, the private sector, as entrepreneurs and in many other sectors which were previously dominated by men.
“We do not overlook the women who continue to work as domestic workers, farm labourers, on the factory floor, as street traders and several other occupations which help them earn a living and raise their children.”
The Premier described these women as a beacon of hope for the future of the country.
“Even though they are economically active respectively, they continue to play the role of home makers; bringing up children under trying circumstances, building families which are the future of this province and this country.”
Men taking responsibility
He noted that his government had formed the Men's Forum a few years ago, with the aim of bringing men together to rekindle the values of manhood.
“This includes taking responsibility for their families and protecting the vulnerable members of society in general.”
Since August, the provincial government has been intensifying the implementation of the 365 Days of Action Plan against the Abuse of Women and Children.
According to the plan, the KwaZulu-Natal government has committed to preventing and responding to gender-based violence by:
• Addressing the root causes of violence.
• Improving violence prevention and victim protection services.
• Responding to the health and economic needs of those affected by gender-based violence. • Supporting legislation (and its enforcement) against gender-based violence.
The plan has been translated in four District Municipalities' plans. The District Municipalities have been trained and assisted to set up Gender-Based Violence Committees to
create a 365 plan in fighting gender-based violence.
A Provincial Gender-Based Violence Committee has also been created that sees all stakeholders meet at least four times a year to come up with viable solutions in the fight against this scourge. This includes the Provincial Men's Forum.
“The involvement of men through the Provincial Men's Forum and District Men's Forums has been prioritised.There are currently 17 District and Local Men's Forums in the province,” said the Premier.
Intensifying the fight
He also urged leaders of society from across the province to intensify efforts against gender-based violence.
In the months leading up to 16 Days of No Violence Against Women and Children Campaign, the provincial government organised a series of activities aimed at uniting communities in the fight against women and child abuse.
Religious leaders were among those who took part in two marches held in Durban and Nquthu.
“As the provincial government we want to reiterate our position that religious leaders have an important role to play in nation building and moral regeneration.
“It is the leaders of faith that can reach the consciences of all people, especially men, to make them honest and avoid committing any form of crime, such as the abuse of women and children,” he added.
During the Social Cohesion and Moral Regeneration Summit held in KwaMashu, in June, the provincial government and civil society undertook to work with religious leaders in all programmes of social cohesion and moral regeneration across all communities. It was stressed that churches, mosques,synagogues and other religious and communitybased organisations are critical in promoting family values.
“We say this because the family is central to the teaching of human values of respect for the fellow human being.Our view is that the normal socialisation is about creating a human being capable of showing and sharing affection,” Premier Mchunu pointed out.
He urged community leaders, especially men, to double their efforts and build strong family structures.
“Family structures are the first lines of protection and the source for defensive justice.This role is invaluable.We say relatives and neighbours must not collude with perpetrators of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual abuse and other crimes committed indoors for fear of disgracing families.”
Taking a stand
The Premier expressed concern at the increasing incidence of rape of women and children in the province.
“What kind of man sets out to rape our most precious assets, the budding lives with a brighter future ahead of them?”
“As citizens of the Republic and the beautiful province of KZN we must not stand by and watch this terrible scourge tear apart the fabric of our communities and society.”
He said that the provincial government had placed law enforcement agencies on high alert to act decisively in dealing with the perpetrators of rapes and also encouraged the judiciary to mete out the harshest punishment possible to those found guilty.
“We also invite members of the communities to break the culture of silence in the face of this scourge and open up and report the perpetrators.We must do that in order to set the wheels of justice in motion and expose all these despicable elements so that we as society can get rid of this terrible pestilence once and for all.
“Rape and its inherent violence are indeed among the most despicable breaches of the human rights and dignity of their victims. We call on communities to stand up and unite in a public display of disapproval of any form of abuse of women and children,” said the Premier.
He called on families and communities to expose abusive fathers, uncles, brothers and boyfriends.