Foundation takes on GBV with bold initiative in Msholozi
The aim of the programme is to educate men about GBV and its impact, and to have discussions about this stigma.
The Males Only Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Imbizo was held on at the Divine Praise Ministry on Saturday March 16.
This initiative was launched by the It Ends Here Foundation. The theme of the event was ‘End GBV now’.
The founder and director of the foundation, Tsakane Valoyi, said: “The vision of the programme is to create and restore a healthy non-abusive environment, where all children and women will live in a safe and secure society, free from abuse. The purpose of today is not only to speak to you. We also want your views as men regarding GBV. You can play a role in ending it. Educate yourself about it, its roles and the impact it has on individuals and the community as a whole. This includes understanding the various forms of GBV,” Valoyi said.
ALSO READ: Mpumalanga MEC for finance delivers 2024/25 budget speech
According to a social worker of Child Welfare SA White River, Nondumiso Khumalo, they handle cases of children who are exposed to abuse. “When we investigate, we find that this starts at home and it is an ongoing thing that passes from one generation to another. This gets to a point in which these children find it normal when a father assaults a mother.”
Khumalo said she believes that if everyone can stand together as one, it will be possible to end GBV.
“We see in the news kids and women are killed, and we also see that there are men who are emotionally, verbally, physically and financially abused too. Those who need help, do not be afraid to ask. In the end, it is all about you,” she said.
ALSO READ: Community of Matsulu pleased with physical assessment of Kruger National Park fence
Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Lubisi said: “Section 28 of the Constitution says every child has the right to a name and a nationality from birth, a right to have a family that will protect and provide for the child. A child also has the right to be protected from exploitation of labour practices. The objective of the police service is to prevent, combat and investigate crime, and to maintain public order. If there is no order in the community, it is my responsibility to restore that order.”
