Men’s Voice Organisation leads GBV awareness campaign in eMbalenhle
The campaign aims to help reduce the scourge of GBV, particularly within relationships and marriages.
The Men’s Voice Organisation held a gender-based violence (GBV) awareness campaign in Extension 7, eMbalenhle, on May 14.
According to Doctor Thanjekwayo, the organisation’s coordinator, the campaign aims to help reduce the scourge of GBV, particularly within relationships and marriages.
“As an organisation, we receive GBV complaints daily. Many of these cases stem from romantic relationships and marriages.
“Some involve disputes caused by unfulfilled promises between partners, while others arise from issues such as infidelity; in all the cases we handle, love relationships are at the core,” said Thanjekwayo.
Dudu Hlatshwayo, an official from the Evander Correctional Services office, called on men to take responsibility for fighting GBV.
“God created man before woman and gave him responsibility over everything on earth, including the duty to love and protect.
“Men must protect their families and communities from social ills, not contribute to them. If we want to end GBV, men must take their rightful place in their homes and communities,” said Hlatshwayo.
Sindi Sambo from Thuthuzela Care Centre encouraged women to report GBV and rape cases to the police, regardless of whether the perpetrator is a financial provider.
“Being financially supported does not justify keeping silent about abuse.
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“The only way to end GBV is through accountability, which starts with reporting it. Just because a man buys you a drink at a tavern doesn’t mean you owe him sex, that’s rape.
“Also, men who lure underage girls with money are committing statutory rape, which is a criminal offence,” said Sambo.
Sambo urged victims to report such crimes to the SAPS Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit.
Doctor Thanjekwayo invited the community to contact the Men’s Voice Organisation for free assistance and support.
The organisation can be reached at 017 685 1026 or 068 318 7857.
