Under the leadership of Ngwathe Local Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Cllr Victoria de Beer-Mthombeni, women across the Ngwathe towns (Parys,  Vredefort, Heilbron, Koppies, Edenville) took part in the National Shutdown on November 21, calling for an end to gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide.

De Beer-Mthombeni noted that GBV is not only physical, but can also take emotional and financial forms. She emphasised that both women and men are affected, and thanked the men who joined Friday’s shutdown in solidarity.

She also commended the Parys Magistrate’s Court for handing down a 25-year sentence, on Thursday to a suspect convicted of rape, describing it as an important step in the fight against GBV. The mayor urged women to continue raising their voices.

“Together, we will build a safer Ngwathe for every woman and child,” she said.