Mayibuye residents joined the growing call for an end to gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF), gathering under candlelight to honour women who lost their lives in recent killings in Kempton Park and Ekurhuleni.

Members of the Mayibuye Youth Activism Movement and residents gathered at Mayibuye Park on September 18 for a candle-lighting ceremony in solidarity with the victims and their families.

Residents held candles and placards as they called for stronger action to protect women and girls from violence.

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The gathering brought together residents, community leaders, pastors, church organisations and members of GBVF brigades, who used the evening to reflect on the impact of violence against women and children.

Community leader Thapelo Nkoane said Mayibuye had previously experienced acts of violence and killings, making the recent incidents particularly painful for residents.

“By convening such a programme, we are curbing the perpetuation of violence within our community. Tragedies often have a ripple effect, and if we do not become proactive, our community will suffer the same fate over and over again,” said Nkoane.

“Violent crimes are very prevalent; as such, safety is a point of concern for women in our community.”

Nkoane said the recent killings had also contributed to fear among women and increased discussions around women’s safety and their trust in men. He criticised what he described as a lack of effective government intervention to address GBV, calling for more practical measures from departments responsible for social development, women, youth and persons with disabilities.

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“The scourge of GBV is perennial in the country, but the government shows that as an authoritative body, it lacks the essential plan to mitigate crimes against women, children and people living with disabilities,” alleged Nkoane.

The ceremony also highlighted residents’ calls for perpetrators of GBV to face the full might of the law, while urging the government to develop and implement policies focused on protecting women and preventing violence.

Nkoane said police stations needed additional resources, including sufficient patrol vehicles, while social workers, auxiliary services and GBVF brigades should be strengthened to provide support to victims and communities.

A key message from the gathering was the need to challenge social norms that contribute to violence and discrimination against women and girls. Speakers called on men to play a greater role in creating communities where women and children can live without fear of violence.

Nkoane said men had a responsibility to contribute to changing attitudes and behaviour around gender-based violence.

“As a young man, I believe that the structural social setting that allows heteronormative behaviour to prevail has to be dealt with through policy and the establishment of institutions.

The government has to play a major role in changing the behaviour of men through education and access to gender-related information; more so, the law has to be strengthened,” he concluded.

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