Residents join speaker in prayer walk against GBV in eMbalenhle

The Govan Mbeki Municipality council speaker, Fikile Magagamela, together with community members and various stakeholders, held a prayer walk against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) on September 18.

The event was held in solidarity with victims and survivors of GBVF and families affected by violence.

The campaign began at the R546 Sasol Charlie 3 four-way crossing, carrying messages calling for an end to violence against women and children and demonstrating their collective stand against GBVF.

The prayer walk provided a chance for the community to come together in prayer, raise awareness and send a strong and united message that violence against women, children and vulnerable members of society has no place within the communities.

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Magagamela called on communities to stand together against GBVF and encouraged women to know and protect their rights and to speak out against abuse.

“My office remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at creating safer communities where women, children and all vulnerable members of society can live free from violence, abuse and fear.

“The fight against GBVF requires collective action. Government, law enforcement agencies, communities, civil society organisations, traditional and faith-based leaders, businesses and individuals all have an important role to play in preventing violence, supporting survivors and ensuring that incidents of abuse are reported to the relevant authorities,” said Magagamela.

Magagamela said through strengthened partnerships with law enforcement agencies and communities, Govan Mbeki Municipality will continue supporting interventions aimed at raising awareness, promoting safer communities and encouraging victims and witnesses of GBVF to speak out and seek assistance.

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