ERMELO – The Gert Sibande District Municipality (GSDM) has expressed concern over recent killings of women, including reports from Ekurhuleni, amid South Africa’s ongoing gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) crisis.

Led by executive mayor Walter Mngomezulu, GSDM reaffirmed its commitment to combating GBVF through community engagement, awareness initiatives and partnerships with relevant stakeholders.

The municipality said initiatives through structures such as the District AIDS Council, District Community Safety Forum and community-based dialogues aim to promote moral regeneration, social responsibility and safer communities.

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Mngomezulu said addressing GBVF requires sustained prevention, education, early intervention, survivor support and accountability.

He also called on law enforcement and relevant authorities to prioritise investigations into violence against women and strengthen measures to prevent further loss of life.

He urged communities to work with traditional leaders, community policing structures, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to identify and address safety risks.

The mayor also appealed to communities to reject silence and complicity, report GBVF incidents, support survivors and promote accountability.

Read more about the district’s community engagement initiatives and Mngomezulu’s full statement in the Highvelder’s printed edition.