Okhahlamba Local Municipality joined national efforts to combat HIV and gender-based violence (GBV) by hosting a peaceful march yesterday (December 1) in Bergville. The event commemorated both World AIDS Day and the ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign.

The programme began at the municipal offices with messages of support, a prayer session, and a candle-lighting ceremony to honour victims and survivors of HIV/AIDS and GBV. The participants then marched through the Bergville CBD to raise awareness and promote unity.

Mayor Vikizitha Mlotshwa led the march, alongside Colonel Ramlagan (Bergville SAPS station commander) and Mrs Hlengiwe Ndaba (director of Social Services). The mayor called on households, schools, churches and businesses to take collective responsibility to end GBV. Community members, organisations and faith leaders joined to show their commitment to ending violence and stigma.

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Highlighting the national call to close South Africa’s 1.1 million HIV treatment gap, the mayor urged residents to know their status, test regularly and stay consistent with treatment. He emphasised that adherence to medication protects individual health and prevents new infections.

Mlotshwa reaffirmed the municipality’s support for the ’16 Days of Activism’ campaign, noting that GBV remains a crisis that destroys families and futures. He encouraged survivors to report abuse and assured them of support from the SAPS, social workers and the Department of Health.

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