Violent attacks directed at women and children must stop, says Mthonjaneni mayor

After three women were shot in their home, Mthonjaneni Mayor Mbangiseni Biyela is calling for a change in men’s behaviour.

“The scourge of violent attacks directed at women and children must stop. Women are pillars of our society; there is no home without a woman. They play a vital role in raising children and making sure their families are taken care of, including their partners,” he said.

Addressing the media during the Mthonjaneni Mayoral Cup on Saturday at the Melmoth sports ground, he recounted the brutal attack on women in Ward 10.

“One was killed, and two others suffered serious injuries. We do not know what triggered the attack, or the motive behind it, but we understand that the perpetrator was a man. I fail to understand what kind of a man can take a gun to kill a woman. Women need to be respected and protected at all costs,” said Biyela.

He added that without women, men are nothing.

“Respecting women is not new in our culture. Years ago during wars, when a woman intervened, men would stop the fight immediately. Last year, we held a men’s imbizo, and this year again. We will host such events aimed at encouraging men to treat their loved ones with respect and to advise their sons on how to treat a woman, because everything starts at home, with the family.”

Biyela added that his municipality has set aside over R3-million for women, youth, and people living with disability programmes.

“Our LED office is driving these projects to assist our people in assisting themselves and starting businesses, as we all know our country lacks job opportunities. We are also working with the committee for people living with disabilities to address their needs,” said Biyela.

The municipal manager, Zipho Mthethwa, also emphasised the need to protect women, saying, “Everyone is born by a woman, so it is important that we treat them with respect and dignity.”

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