KwaZulu-Natal Premier Willies Mchunu, accompanied by uThukela District Mayor Siphiwe Mazibuko, launched the 16 Days of Activism Against Women and Children Abuse campaign at Ngoba under Okhahlamba Municipality recently.
The campaign runs every year from November 25 to December 10. This year’s event coincides with the centenary celebrations of Mama Albertina Sisulu.
Ukuthwalwa
The message of support was delivered by Inkosi Hlongwane of Amangwane, who strongly condemned the way in which Ukuthwalwa (abduction of young women) is practised. He said the problem with this practice is that it is not reported to the authorities in most cases.
ALSO READ: uThukela holds meetings to inform the community about water shortages in the district
According to uThukela spokesperson Jabulani Mkhonza, there are organisations involved in the fight against the unlawful practice of Ukuthwalwa in the district and beyond.
In his remarks, District Mayor Mazibuko thanked the Premier for his efforts to support local government. He encouraged the people to visit healthcare centres to do routine checkups. The mayor also mentioned that teenage pregnancy is a problem in the district.
“We urge members of the public to refrain from abusing elderly people. We also encourage the youth to showcase their talents, taking a cue from the achievements of their peers,” said the mayor.
Delivering his keynote address, Premier Mchunu said that government alone will never be able to end gender-based violence. He made a call to everyone, men in particular, to work towards ending the scourge of violence against women and children.
“We encourage people to engage themselves in activities that will help them to achieve their goals.
As government, we would like to emphasise that people must learn to respect each other,” said the Premier.
Over the period of the campaign, government will convene dialogues on violence against women and children to focus on the problem, discuss the causes and then find lasting solutions.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Join us there!
