Women and youth take a stand against violence during Youth Day march

KAMHLUSHWA – Youth and women across Nkomazi joined hands against the brutal assault, rape and murders of women by saying “Enough is Enough” during a march on Youth Day.

The event preceded the celebrations at the local stadium, and the marchers were led by Zazi ambassador and Miss Mpumalanga Geraldine Williams.

“We’ve been crying about this for a long time but it feels like our voices don’t reach the correct people. As the young people of Mpumalanga, we are here to plead to men that they should stop abusing us,” said Williams.

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She handed over a memorandum to community safety, security and liaison MEC Mr Pat Ngomane which demanded more police visibility in Mpumalanga’s communities, that cases of rape murder and abuse should be promptly investigated and properly prosecuted, transgressors be punished and communities educated about rape, murder and domestic abuse of young women, mothers and children.

“One woman’s life lost is a great loss to the nation, as we are home and family builders. We need to be treated with respect. Enough is enough, sekwanele!” Williams stated.

Ngomane urged the community, police and government to join hands to help expose abusers, criminals and corrupt officials.

The Youth Day celebrations that followed focused on the importance of education and were attended by, among others, Ms Mpumalanga Hlengiwe Ochan, Miss Indoni Thembelihle Mpofu, speaker of the provincial legislature, Ms Thandi Shongwe, Nkomazi mayor Cllr Thulisile Khoza and ANC Youth League deputy president Mr Desmond Moela. Many of them also participated in the march.

“The best weapon we can arm ourselves with remains education, and it is encouraging to see that young people see education as fashionable,” stated sport, culture and recreation MEC, Ms Norah Mahlangu.

Young people attended the event in their school uniforms to honour the youth who fought and died during the Soweto Uprisings in 1976.

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Five title deeds, five wheelchairs and around 12 food vouchers were handed over to community members and the needy.

The Nkomazi Cultural Group and Masikane entertained the crowd with song and dance.

The MEC and several speakers appealed to the youth to study hard and to choose careers that can help develop their communities.

The government is also committed to collaborate with the private sector and Seta to ensure that young people are exposed to business and empowerment creation programmes.

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“I would like to impress upon young people to refrain from indulging in substance abuse, as they will be sabotaging their own future, and to avoid risky sexual behaviour that will make them vulnerable to HIV and Aids,” said Mahlangu.

“The country needs sober and progressive young people to take the baton of leadership and bring to the fore ideals that will create a better South Africa.”