• Thabile Mange writes:
December is a time to be merry. It is also time to spend quality time with family, neighbours and friends. And a time to give and reflect upon one’s life.
In a few days’ time, we will be saying goodbye to 2021. At the same time, we will be saying hello to 2022. However, many are not looking forward to the new year. Thanks to Covid-19.
The years 2020 and 2021 have shown us flames. We have lost loved ones and many souls to the pandemic Covid-19. The pandemic is still with us – and will be with us for years to come.
But I digress. Last Friday, 16 days of activism against GBV came to an end. However, that does not mean the end of the fight against GBV. It actually means we must intensify the fight against this demon.
We are already in the festive season. During this season, the nation lowers its guard on gender-based violence. Even the police become lax during this period. Yet the perpetrators of abuse do not take a break.
The above suggests that victims of abuse suffer in silence during this period. Whilst everybody is happy, merry and jubilant, victims are in emotional and physical pain.
I would like to appeal to the nation to remain vigilant and keep an eye on abusers. We cannot afford to lower our guard whilst victims are being abused physically, emotionally and otherwise.
