Phophi tackles GBV in new book

LIMPOPO- To show her unwavering support in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV), Phophi Matshepete from Tshakhuma has just published her first book, entitled Victim.

“This book is very important, as it aims to raise awareness among South Africans about the negative impact that violence against women and children has. We hear and read about cases of violence and abuse every day, yet we continue to pretend that it is not real, simply because it has not affected us personally. You do not have to be in a violent relationship to know that women and children are being abused.”

Matshepete (20) said she had come to learn the importance of sharing problems with those she could trust, to avoid becoming a victim of GBV herself.

“I believe that sharing our problems with those close to us is the only way to mitigate the rising issue of GBV, and that is the message I want to get across through my book,” she said.

Her book encourages women to not keep quiet about abuse, no matter in which form it comes. “We live in a society where women and children are abused physically, sexually and emotionally, getting killed every day. My book reminds people that it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to create a society free of violence, and that the only way to achieve this is to get victims to report gender-based violence to the police.”

South Africa needs more men who are responsible enough to stand together and reject these acts of violence against innocent women and children, and who have the courage to spread the message of a violence-free country, she said.

Matshepete started her primary school career at Tshikevha Christian School and completed high school at Mbilwi Secondary School in 2021. She is currently in her second year of studying chemical engineering at Wits University.