The Ekurhuleni North Community Development Forum, in partnership with the Salvation Army, hosted a gender-based violence (GBV) dialogue on February 27 at Tshad in Thembisa.

The purpose of the dialogue was to continue educating the community about the effects of GBV and how it can be prevented.

Organisers noted that despite ongoing efforts by SAPS and other stakeholders, incidents of gender-based violence within households in Thembisa remain a serious concern.

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A key focus of the discussion was the growing involvement of professionals and law enforcement officials in GBV cases.

Speakers emphasised that GBV can no longer be attributed only to unemployment and substance abuse, but has increasingly become a pattern of behaviour affecting households across different social and professional backgrounds.

Concerns were raised about cases involving police officers and other professionals who are entrusted with upholding the law, yet are implicated in acts of violence within their own homes.

The dialogue explored the need for greater accountability and internal assessment among professionals who may hide behind their uniforms or titles while struggling with violent behaviour in private.

Vusi Malala of the Salvation Army said the organisation is broadening its approach to ensure that all sectors of society are addressed.

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“GBV has become prevalent even within professional spaces. We have seen cases where police officers use their service weapons against their partners.

“Professionals who are expected to fight GBV are sometimes involved in the same behaviour at home, which damages public trust,” he said.

“As a church, we have established a body that focuses on therapeutic learning and engagement with professional workers regarding the spread of GBV.

“As a social worker, I understand how the mind works and how some believe they can hide behind their titles. That is not good practice, especially when it undermines efforts to fight GBV and the damage it causes in communities.”

Malala added that he regularly travels across Gauteng conducting GBV awareness sessions, creating safe spaces for both professionals and community members to speak openly.

“Every Thursday, I host group sessions where we discuss GBV and how it has affected our lives. When I am not engaging professionals, I am working within communities like this one, teaching, listening and allowing people to open up so that we can find solutions together.”

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Bishop Michael Mtshali of the Ekurhuleni North Community Development Forum said the organisation is also working on interventions aimed at addressing the root causes of violence.

“We have been dealing with GBV in the community for a long time with the help of various stakeholders, and we will continue to do so alongside professionals and the municipality,” he said.

“In our sessions, we prioritise inviting people who can assist perpetrators with employment opportunities or guidance in dealing with unemployment.

“We understand that some resort to GBV due to joblessness and substance abuse. These are issues we are trying to correct going forward, as we wish to see a decline in GBV cases in our community.”

The dialogue formed part of ongoing efforts to confront the realities of GBV in Thembisa and to encourage collective responsibility in addressing the crisis.