Community leaders from Mamelodi and CPF share their reflections on the year and their desires for 2026.

Eddie Mnguni from Mamelodi CPF said residents have experienced hard times in terms of gender-based violence (GBV).

Mnguni said Mamelodi East has faced a high number of GBV cases and femicide.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared GBV a crisis in South Africa. “Our women are crying out, and they need much more focus on the issue of GBV.”

“To fight GBV and femicide, we must first start at home, especially boys, and teach them not to hate women. Parents must lead by example.

“We are calling all stakeholders, the government and church, to stand together in the fight against GBV.”

Mnguni said parents must not overspend during the festive season, but save money for next year’s school uniforms and stationery.

Oupa Mthombeni from the Concerned Tshwane Liquor Trader Association appealed to all liquor traders to comply with the Liquor Act.

“GBV is not a joke. Mamelodi is one of the places in the country that has recorded a lot of GBV cases in 2025.

“Liquor traders need to lead by example and become liquor ambassadors and start fighting against GBV and femicide,” said Mthombeni.

He said liquor traders must also make sure their customers drink responsibly and, most importantly, not to sell alcohol to underaged drinkers.”

Mthombeni said liquor traders should take care of customers and stick to the midnight curfew.

“Liquor traders should not think about making lots of money. There is a lot at stake, and if a customer has had enough, don’t sell them any more liquor.”

He wished residents of Mamelodi a merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year. “We love you all and stay blessed.”

The President of Concerned Residents for Service Delivery in Mamelodi, Oupa Mtshweni, said 2025 has been a tough year for almost everyone: from women being raped and killed to children and elderly people being abused.

Mtshweni said the whole Mamelodi community need to unite and come up with programmes that will not only assist in the fight but also educate the public about the dangers of GBV and femicide.

He advised parents to take charge in the fight against GBV and educate their children by not fighting and abusing each other.

“The festive season is a time of happiness and family gatherings. They must avoid overspending and think of next year when the schools reopen.”

Mtshweni further advised residents to spend their savings wisely.

He also strongly advised the public not to withdraw large amounts of cash from banks, but rather pay accounts through their banking app.

He concluded by wishing everyone a merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Jack Semelane from Progressive Civic Congress said the year started very well, especially with school children performing very well in different sports.

Semelane said the Mamelodi East police precinct recorded a high number of GBV cases and femicide.

He said stakeholders came together with programmes to fight GBVF.

“Parents need to take charge too and lead by example and stop abusing each other or assaulting each other in front of children.”

Semelane said fighting in front of children promotes bullying at local schools and learners end up stabbing each other to death with sharp objects.

The festive season is the time of the year when crime increases a lot.

He pleaded with the public to be safe and be on the lookout for scammers who pretend to be Tshwane municipal workers, scrapping high municipal bills for an amount of less than R3 000.

Residents also need to inform their neighbours when they go on holiday and unplug all non-essential electrical appliances to reduce fire risks from electrical faults before leaving for holiday trips.

Semelane concluded by encouraging everyone to love each other and wished residents a merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year.

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram or TikTok or WhatsApp Channel