SA-News
EThekwini Municipality has called on young people to take a leading role in confronting the escalating challenge of Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).
The municipality made the call as the city officially launched the annual 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign at King Zwelithini Stadium in uMlazi, south of Durban.
Launched on Tuesday under the theme “Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls working together to end Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” the event set a firm tone of unity, accountability, and collective responsibility in protecting women and children across the municipality.
The programme began with a visit to Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital to assess the facilities and support services available for women and children.
The visit also sought to raise awareness on how communities and victims can report violations and access the necessary assistance.
Municipal leadership, alongside representatives from government and private sector institutions, gathered to discuss impactful interventions and strategies to combat the scourge of gender-based violence across the municipality.
Echoing the national call for unity in the fight against GBVF, eThekwini Deputy Mayor Zandile Myeni, urged young people in uMlazi to take an active role in preventing violence and encouraged families to stand together.
“We are here to echo the President’s message that Gender-Based Violence and Femicide is a crisis. Law enforcement alone cannot eradicate GBVF without the support of families, churches, and the broader community. GBVF affects people of all races, genders, and backgrounds,” the Deputy Mayor said.
Chairperson of the Community Services Committee, Zama Sokhabase, emphasised that gender-based violence and femicide remain among the most pervasive human rights violations affecting women and children in South Africa.
“Let us work together to halt gender-based violence,” Sokhabase urged.
City law enforcement agencies, including the South African Police Service, reaffirmed their commitment to working with communities and stakeholders to curb GBV.
EThekwini Civil Society Organisation Secretary Sazi Jali highlighted the importance of accountability.
“Ending GBVF requires our communities to stand together and uphold Pillar 1 of the National Strategic Plan, which focuses on accountability. This work begins within our families, where each of us must hold one another responsible for our actions.”
Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, together with Deputy Minister Mmapaseka Steve Letsike, officially launch the national campaign at Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
Observed from 25 November to 10 December, the 16 Days campaign forms part of a global United Nations initiative aimed at raising awareness, mobilising communities and strengthening accountability in efforts to end violence against women and children.
Earlier this year, government launched the 90-Day GBVF Acceleration Programme to fast track the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on GBVF.
The 16 Days of Activism coincided with the release of the five-year review of the National Strategic Plan (NSP) on GBVF, which identifies areas that need urgent strengthening. – SAnews.gov.za
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