Durban — In a call to action, KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli officially launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign on Monday.
Speaking to members of the community at the Office of the Premier in Pietermaritzburg, Ntuli underscored the profound importance of this global initiative aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) and mobilising society to take concrete steps against all forms of abuse directed at the most vulnerable.
He emphasised the urgent need for a collective effort to combat violence that endangers the lives of women, children and vulnerable groups in the province.
“It is crucial that we stand together as a community to eradicate the violence that jeopardises the lives of our loved ones,” he stated.
In a plea for community solidarity, Ntuli urged residents to report crimes without fear of reprisals from “goons who carry guns.”
He emphasised the vital role of community members in standing against violence, encouraging them to unite in the fight for a safer environment for all.
“We must cultivate a culture where our communities work in harmony to bring abusers to justice and support victims in their paths to healing,” he said.
Under the theme “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children” and includes a sub-theme, “Harnessing Technology and Innovation to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Femicide and Accelerate a Gender-Inclusive Digital Economy”, the Premier said that the provincial government is committed to the safety and well-being of women and children, detailing comprehensive strategies and key interventions designed to combat GBV.
“We have made significant strides, forming Rapid Response Teams in over 300 wards. These teams are a testament to our commitment to act swiftly and efficiently, addressing GBVF with a survivor-centred, multi-sectoral approach.
“Our goal is clear: timely and comprehensive responses at ward level, enhanced collaboration, capacity building, alongside proactive community engagement and evidence-based interventions.
“We aim to protect survivors, promote gender equality, and eliminate any systemic delays and bottlenecks that hamper our efforts to conquer this scourge,” Ntuli said.
He also affirmed the government’s relentless stance against such heinous acts.
During his address, Ntuli provided alarming statistics revealing the prevalence of gender-based violence in the province.
This year alone, a staggering 124 cases have been documented at a Thuthuzela Centre in Estcourt, highlighting the urgent need for collective action.
Among the heart-wrenching cases, he recounted the story of an elderly woman who brought in a child who had been assaulted, illustrating the devastating impact of GBV on families.
He said the districts negatively impacted by GBVF in KwaZulu-Natal are eThekwini Metro with 2003 incidents, uMgungundlovu 672, King Cetshwayo 581, Ugu 437, Zululand 364, Ilembe 362, uThukela 342, Amajuba 338, Harry Gwala 232, uMkhanyakude 225, and uMzinyathi 190.
KwaZulu-Natal, he said, has the fourth largest ratio of rape at 17.3
He listed rape incidents reported at educational premises: One at crèche,13 at schools, and four at tertiary institutions.
Ntuli’s address also tapped into the necessity for robust partnerships with stakeholders, including NGOs and businesses.
“Collaborations have led to practical improvements, such as the establishment of victim-friendly rooms at police stations, the creation of new shelters, and the implementation of educational programmes aimed at reducing GBV among youth,” he said.
He further said the year’s campaign runs from November 25 until December 10 and aims to galvanise public participation while challenging societal norms that perpetuate violence.
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