Ward 115 councillor Mark van der Merwe wants to see more people move beyond promises and take action against gender-based violence, a message he carried into a 5km community march through Fourways today, October 10.

Van der Merwe joined residents and fellow councillors in the walk organised by Mia Abrahamson and Kiara Theobald, which started at Kingfisher Dog Park before continuing along Winnie Mandela Drive and Witkoppen Road.

Read more: ‘When will enough be enough?’ Fourways women march against gender-based violence

The councillor, who helped circulate information about the event through community groups, said he was breathless after the walk but praised the two organisers for taking the initiative.

“I thought it was a fantastic effort for these two young ladies. Kiara and Mia contacted me some time ago and told me what they wanted to do.”

Van der Merwe said he had hoped for a bigger turnout, particularly because information about the march had reached more than 25 000 people.

However, he said the fact that two young women had organised the event independently was worth recognising.

“We must go from strength to strength, and women need to be heard.”

Also read: Local mothers take to Broadacres streets to combat gender-based violence

He added that the support from motorists who hooted as the marchers passed was encouraging.

Van der Merwe said women should not have their freedom restricted because of the threat of violence.

“They’ve got a right to be anywhere. It’s the perpetrators of gender-based violence who must learn that it is not acceptable under any circumstances.”

Ward 94 councillor David Foley also made time for the march after attending a parkrun at Lonehill Park earlier in the day.

He joined the awareness walk shortly after completing the run, adding another community activity to his morning.

Foley called on residents to take responsibility when they witnessed violence against women, rather than looking away.

“If you see something, say something and address it. Report it, try and help the person. Get involved. That’s what I say. Get involved to help women, especially when there’s violence happening in their lives.”

Ward 93 councillor Vino Reddy also attended in purple, showing support for the initiative.

Resident Tony Shopeng said she joined after seeing a poster in a community group. She described gender-based violence as a national problem that required people to stand together.

“Today, we stand for her, today, we stand for us. I think let’s all come together. This is a national problem.”

Shopeng said the hooting motorists showed that the message was reaching people along the route.

OnArmor Security assisted with marshalling, convoy patrols and escorting participants.

The company also acknowledged the support of Douglasdale CPF patrollers, Emer-G-Med Emergency Medical Services and the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department.

The march brought community members together around a shared call to speak out against gender-based violence and support those affected by it.

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