The Mpumalanga MEC for Public Works, Roads and Transport, Thulasizwe Thomo, led a law enforcement and awareness operation against gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) on the R23 in Standerton on October 16.

Thomo was joined by the Lekwa Local Municipality MMC for Community Services and Safety, Thembisile Motloung, during the operation, which aimed to strengthen law enforcement visibility, raise awareness and encourage communities to take a stand against GBVF.

As part of the awareness campaign, participating stakeholders engaged with motorists by distributing pamphlets and handing out roses to encourage meaningful conversations about preventing GBVF and promoting responsible behaviour in communities.

During the engagement, Thomo and Motloung urged motorists to stand against GBVF, emphasizing the message: “STOP Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.”

They also reminded motorists to prioritise road safety and ensure they arrive alive at their destinations.

“The operation strengthened law enforcement visibility while raising awareness about the critical role that men must play in preventing and combating GBVF.

“Through engagements with public transport users and operators, we reinforced the message that ending violence against women and children requires collective responsibility and active community participation,” said Thomo.

He said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to build safer communities, promote responsible behaviour and mobilise men to become active partners in ending GBVF.

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