Soweto march calls for action against gender-based violence
With the outcry of gender against woman and children, the party saw it fit to show its support to work hand- in- hand with law enforcement to address GBV
The Economic Liberators Forum South Africa (ELF-SA) took to the streets of Soweto in a march to address and show its support against gender-based violence (GBV) on October 16.
The march, which proceeded from South West Gauteng TVET College in Dube to Orlando Police Station, called for stronger action to address violence against women and children. Party members, supporters, and community members gathered carrying placards and chanting messages calling for an end to GBV.
Addressing the crowd, the founder of ELF-SA, Masengane Mani, said: “We have females that are very capable in our organization, we as the men are here as supporters, we are saying that they must lead in their struggle and we will be behind them as their support because in most cases we are the perpetrators and we cannot distance ourselves from what is happening.”
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Mani shared that it is disappointing to be in such a predicament where men are failing to protect women and children.
The national spokesperson for ELF-SA, Sifiso Mthembu, said the party was there to serve the community in advocating against GBV.
“We are servants of the people; we cannot keep quiet and sit on the sidelines when this critical matter is being raised and is becoming a serious societal problem. We have seen how many women and how many children have been killed, we are saying not under our watch and not under our name,” said Mthembu.
A memorandum was handed over to the police station, highlighting the necessary action by law enforcement agencies to hold perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The acting station commander at Orlando Police Station, Colonel Mahlaela, said: “Thank you for the way that you conducted the march, the memorandum has been received and a response will be given within seven days.”
The event concluded with a call for communities, government, and other stakeholders to work together to create safer environments.
