MEC Mavimbela calls for community action to stop gender-based violence

UMzinyathi District Champion and MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Hlengiwe Mavimbela, on 25/11/20, launched the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based violence for Umzinyathi District at Sibongile Township in Dundee.

The 16 Days Campaign forms the centre point of government’s comprehensive 365 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children.

The 25th of November 2020 also marked the beginning of five days remembrance for citizens who have lost their lives due to Covid-19 and gender-based violence.

MEC Mavimbela led a walk on the streets of Sibongile Township to raise awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence and to encourage citizens to raise their voices to stop the abuse.

As part of promotion of 16 days of activism, there was also a self-defence demonstration by a local karate group, to show tactics that can be utilised by victims to defend themselves should they face GBV or be attacked.

To commemorate Disability Month, MEC Mavimbela also handed over sport equipment to disability structures from uMzinyathi District.

In her address, MEC Mavimbela encouraged communities to speak out against any form of abuse “There must be no space in South Africa where gender-based violence is a taboo topic. We need everyone to play their part in condemning acts of violence and reporting all acts of abuse or harassment. It does not matter who is perpetrating the acts of abuse it must be reported to authorities. It can be a man, a woman, children or same sex couples, we must deal with all forms of abuse.”

“Gender-based violence is a societal issue, and must be addressed by all sectors of society. We condemn all forms of gender-based violence and call on all men to respect women’s inherent dignity,” said MEC Mavimbela.

MEC Mavimbela applauded the two victims who shared their stories of the pain they had suffered while being abused.

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