UMHLATHUZE Mayor Mdu Mhlongo has rolled out a programme aimed at creating an open dialogue on gender-based violence (GBV).

The programme is part of the 16 Days of Activism which began on Wednesday and concludes on 10 December.

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Speaking at the launch of the campaign last week, Mhlongo called for all men to fight for the protection of women and children, and to not turn a blind eye when they witness incidents of abuse.

‘The year has seen the rise of mainly women abuse, which in most cases affects children in family settings. Child abuse is also on the rise. This indicates a society that does not care for each other.

‘Women and children are abused every day in front of us and we don’t report it until a life is lost,’ Mhlongo said.

He said some women are afraid to report the abuse they experience because they fear further victimisation by the perpetrators or neighbours.

‘Children do not even realise that they are abused, especially if the perpetrator is a relative,’ said Mhlongo.

This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign is intertwined with the five days of remembrance of all South Africans who lost their lives through gender-based violence and Covid-19.

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