The provincial launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in Kwa-Guqa placed a strong focus on the withdrawal of abuse cases and the importance of community participation in ending gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF).

The campaign, which runs annually from November 25 to December 10, carries this year’s theme ‘Letsema: Men, Women, Boys and Girls Working Together to End GBVF’.

Mpumalanga Premier Mandla Ndlovu, speaking at the launch on November 27, urged communities to actively engage in preventing abuse and protecting vulnerable members of society.

“We must all work together – government, communities, and all formations – to end the scourge,” said the premier. “If a relationship becomes toxic or unsafe, leave. We must create an environment where women and children, especially young girls, can live freely without fear.”

He also called on parents, educators, and community leaders to foster safe, violence-free spaces for children, highlighting the need for early intervention to prevent abuse from taking root in families and communities.

Phumzile Mogodi, representing the Mpumalanga Provincial GBVF Council, addressed a critical challenge in prosecuting perpetrators: victims withdrawing cases. She urged communities to support survivors and discourage withdrawals driven by fear or intimidation, stressing that accountability is essential to breaking the cycle of violence.

Traditional leader Sipho Mahlangu highlighted that GBVF affects all genders, despite the visible impact on women and children.

“The ‘G’ in GBVF stands for gender, not just girls,” Mahlangu said. “Men also experience abuse. We must all take a stand against this epidemic.”

His remarks highlighted the need to involve men and boys in prevention efforts and challenge societal norms that prevent male victims from seeking help.
A powerful moment of the launch came with the testimony of survivor Betty Jiye, who recounted enduring abuse from her husband, which ultimately led to her imprisonment for defending herself.

“Abuse cost me 10 years of my life and made my children grow up without a mother,” Jiye said, highlighting the human toll of GBVF.

Local residents emphasised that combating GBVF must extend beyond the 16-day campaign.

Sibusiso Mthethwa said, “As men, we need to be part of the solution every day, not just when the government is watching.”

Nomsa Mokoena, attending with her teenage daughter, added, “Hearing the survivor’s story made me realise how many women suffer in silence. I hope it encourages more people in Kwa-Guqa to report abuse and support victims.”

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