‘Protect women and children against violence’
The walk started near the Gamalakhe Lifestyle Centre and ended at the Gamalakhe Civic Hall.
Men who beat up women should challenge other men to a fight, and not prey on vulnerable women and children.
This was a sentiment shared by Mondli Chiliza, chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Legislature Portfolio Committee on Community Safety and Liaison during the KZN Department of Social Development’s commemoration of World Aids Day and Awareness programme for 16 Days of Activism in uBhuqu Sports Grounds in ward 24 in Nyandezulu.
Chiliza said real men do not harm or hurt women but they protect them. He then called on all men to play their part in the fight against the abuse of women and children.
“As a 20-something-year-old, what goes through your mind when you are raping a 60-something-year-old, a pensioner. The same goes for a toddler. Men need to start doing right by society and be advocates of no violence against women and children,” said Chiliza.
Before the programme in ward 24 by the KZN MEC for Social Development, Nonhlanhla Khoza, the MEC held a programme called ‘Reclaiming the Night Peace Walk and Prayer Service Against GBV” in Gamalakhe.
The walk started near the Gamalakhe Lifestyle Centre and ended at the Gamalakhe Civic Hall.
MEC Khoza, chairperson Mondli Chiliza, Ray Nkoneni Municipality mayor Sikhumbuzo Mqadi, Ugu district municipality mayor, Phumlile Mthiyane and a number of residents could be seen in the streets of Gamalakhe carrying placards which said: “Real men do not abuse women and children”, ”Protect, respect, and restore crime victims’ rights, ”Say no to violence against women”, and more.
Meanwhile at uBhuqu Sports Grounds, Khoza performed the lighting of the International Aids Candlelight Memorial, to remember people who lost their lives to the virus and disease, and also to honour those who dedicated their lives to helping people living with and affected by HIV.
“As the country continues to observe the 16 Days of Activism Campaign of No Violence against Women and Children, the time has come for women to reclaim their bodily autonomy. The month of December has various international commemorations and awareness campaigns that are in line with the Department of Social Development’s key mandate of protecting the most vulnerable,” said Khoza.
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