The 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign started on Monday. Mpumalanga’s community safety, security and liaison MEC Mr Vusi Shongwe called on traditional leaders to be at the forefront of community policing in their communities to fight against domestic abuse during the provincial launch on Sunday.
He said these leaders were respected by the public hence they held a better platform to educate people about such issues.
“This battle is not only for police and government, it is everyone’s business and affects everyone. We want to have people whom our community members will look up to for their safety. Let us refrain from negotiating these cases in traditional courts, an abuser is a criminal and they belong in jail,” said Shongwe.
He called on municipalities to ensure that roads were accessible, that street names, lights and bush were cleared to make it easier for police to access crime scenes.
He added that they must also deal with the issue of empty stands as criminals used these as hiding spots to commit heinous acts.
Meanwhile, Inkosi Yende of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders said among others, the cause of domestic violence and abuse was poverty, especially in rural areas.
He said government must bring development to rural areas, including provision for education and job opportunities as most females became vulnerable because of impoverishment.
The yearly campaign would be characterised by numerous activities aimed at heightening awareness around abuse of women, kids and people living with disabilities. The initiative would end on December 10, International Human Rights Day.
The province has adopted a 365-day plan for the 16 Days of Activism. Among others government seeks to strengthen existing partnerships and collaborations with non-governmental organisations, community-based associations, faith-based organisations and traditional leadership in order to curb this violence.
