Nkowankowa women march against GBVF
Women from Nkowankowa's churches marched to Ritavi Police Station on October 5 with a memorandum demanding stronger police responses to domestic and sexual violence.
TZANEEN – Following the recent surge in gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), the Inter-denomination Christian Fellowship held a prayer and march against violence in Nkowankowa on Monday, October 5.
Women from different churches unite
The fellowship comprises women from different churches in Nkowankowa and surrounding areas who meet monthly to pray for the nation. They were joined by community members, including Ward 19 Clr Sophie Matiyana and her assistant, Amu Mageza.
The march began at Nkowankowa Stadium, where Agnes Mongwe explained that rising violence and substance abuse had prompted the initiative. She called for closer cooperation between the community and police to combat GBVF.
Scripture on the road to Ritavi
Pastor Patrick Mhlongo shared scripture from 2 Chronicles 7:14, calling on people to humble themselves and pray for healing in the country, as well as Psalm 11:5.
After praying, the group marched to Nkowankowa Taxi Rank, where they held another prayer and demonstration before proceeding to Ritavi Police Station.
Memorandum handed to police
Doris Khumalo read the group’s memorandum to police leadership, after which Grace Mbhalati handed it over.
Among their demands are stronger police responses to domestic and sexual violence cases; victim-centred policing that treats complainants with dignity and compassion; improved protection for high-risk victims; greater awareness of protection orders; stronger cooperation with community structures; increased GBV awareness programmes; greater police visibility; and improved accountability.
Police received the memorandum and undertook to respond in due course.
A call for action and accountability
The fellowship said the march was only the beginning of its call for action and accountability.
Today we walk in prayer; tomorrow we must continue walking in action, solidarity and accountability.
“Every girl and woman deserves to feel safe, without fear, and every perpetrator must know that violence against women is not acceptable,” the fellowship said.
