Stakeholders launch 16 Days of Activism Campaign in eMbalenhle
Instead of centering solely on women and children, it also addressed public service employees, including social workers, court officials and other civil servants who silently endure the same challenges they help communities navigate.
In a united fight against GBV, various government departments, the Evander Magistrate’s Court, the National Prosecuting Authority and community organisations launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children at the Sasol Club in eMbalenhle on November 25.
The Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, through the Evander Magistrate’s Court, partnered with multiple stakeholders under the theme Lestema – Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to Stop GBVF.
Speaking at the event, Thembisile Msibi, an intermediary at the Evander court, said this year’s launch had a broadened focus. Instead of centering solely on women and children, it also addressed public service employees, including social workers, court officials and other civil servants who silently endure the same challenges they help communities navigate.
Msibi said including public servants was intentional. Many face emotional and psychological distress because of constant exposure to GBV and domestic violence cases, yet often do not speak out.
To help colleagues recognise the signs of GBVF that they might unknowingly be suffering from, she shared her personal experience.
Msibi recalled how she felt her life “shutting down” during last year’s 16 Days of Activism Campaign. However, with support from stakeholders, management, friends and family, she decided to seek help.
“It is not your fault to be stressed or depressed, but it will be your fault to die without getting help. Choose your life. Fight any kind of abuse by getting help.
“I found help to save my family, children and my job, and to continue serving with an easy heart. Let us stop nursing abuse. Report it and choose yourselves,” said Msibi.
The event also featured a candle-lighting and pledge-signing ceremony, symbolising a collective commitment to ending GBV and creating safer communities for all.
Prosecutor Tracy Keen-Horak, attached to the sexual offences court and the Thuthuzela Care Centre, spoke on domestic violence and how to obtain a protection order.
She also shared additional acts that constitute domestic violence:
• Coercive behaviour;
• Controlling behaviour;
• Economic abuse;
• Exposing a child to domestic violence;
• Elder abuse;
• Related person abuse;
• Sexual harassment;
• Spiritual abuse.
“Most people do not want to apply for a protection order because they don’t want the person to be arrested. The only time they will be arrested is if they breach the conditions of the protection order,” said Keen-Horak.
She said the Thuthuzela Care Centre in Evander has social workers to empower victims of domestic violence.
“If you know somebody going through GBV, be it you or a family member, and you know they are not strong enough, visit the Thuthuzela Care Centre, so we can empower them and give them courage,” said Keen-Horak.
She said domestic violence is not gender-, race-, or social standing-specific; anyone can be a victim of GBV. Keen-Horak encouraged community members enduring domestic violence and GBV to love themselves enough to walk away.
“Love your children enough to walk away from GBV,” said Keen-Horak.
