‘Amakhosi in fight against GBV’
KZN Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khozasaid they want to collaborate with Amakhosi to establish support services and safe spaces for survivors of GBV within their communities.
The KZN Social Development MEC, Nonhlanhla Khoza said it’s important to provide training and capacity-building programmes for Amakhosi and their councils, to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively address gender-based violence (GBV).
Khoza was speaking at a meeting with traditional leaders at the KwaCele Traditional Council in Ward 19 under Umdoni Municipality recently.
The MEC said they want to collaborate with Amakhosi to establish support services and safe spaces for survivors of GBV in their communities.
She added that they plan on launching a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate community members about GBV, its consequences and the importance of reporting incidents.
“It’s important to strengthen partnerships with law enforcement agencies to ensure that GBV cases are promptly and thoroughly investigated and perpetrators are brought to justice, in a resolute effort to combat GBV within traditional communities. We firmly believe that Amakhosi can play a pivotal role in breaking this cycle of GBV by raising awareness, offering support to survivors and inculcating a culture of accountability. GBV is a scourge that affects every facet of our society, including our traditional communities,” said Khoza.
She added that no one should stand idly while women and children suffer in silence, saying that Amakhosi need to take a proactive stance in addressing GBV and creating safer spaces for all vulnerable groups.
“We share a collective responsibility to protect the vulnerable among us. By working together, we can create a safer, more inclusive society where no one lives in fear of violence,” said Khoza.
Meanwhile, Inkosi Mthoko Cele of the KwaCele Traditional Council who welcomed the department’s initiative expressed their dedication to ensuring the safety of communities.
Inkosi Cele said it was unacceptable for society to remain silent while women and children are being subjected to abuse and violence.
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