South Africa: The Free State Provincial Government launched a series of Gender Based Violence and Femicide programmes. The programmes will be hosted all over the districts of the province, with the main launch held at Bergman Square in Bloemfontein, Mangaung.
The launch event was hosted on November 22, in the presence of thee acting premier of Free State Jabu Mbalula. The officials have shared that the aim of the programme is to raise awareness and encourage the community to unite and fight GBVF
The officials have shared that the members of the community have to come together in their large numbers to meet this mandate. SAPS crime statistics report which was recently released by the Minister of Police offered insight on the situation in the province.
The reports suggest that the Mangaung District has reported the highest number of cases of GBVF. The police has received reports of violence from Bloemfontein and Botshabelo as well.
The launch of the 16 days of activism programme was attended by various stakeholders and civil society groups. The provincial government of Free state was at the helm of the launch event on Friday.
The members of the community have shared that the General Modise of the SAPS addressed the community. He told the Bergman community about a major GBV incident which involved a police officer.
He had been entrusted to protect the community and was recently convicted of sexually assaulting a nine-year-old child. These are the types of people we can isolate and ensure the law is harsh on,” she said. “We need to unite and repel this demon within our society.”
The event was attended by a number of government officials including the District Development Model Champion. The MEC for Finance, Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Toto Makume, MEC for Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Zanele Sifuba and Free State Deputy Police Commissioner Major General Solly Lesia.
Acting Premier Mbalula has shared that the issue of GBV continues to be a threat to the well-being of the community. The dignity of the people, sisters, mothers, and daughters is at stake as long as this issue persists.
“Women are being killed, raped, and abused in their homes, on the streets, and even in places that should otherwise be their sanctuary. This is not just a problem for women; it is a national crisis.”
The Premier called on communities to work together with the police to root out the problem from the community. He highlighted the need for the school curriculum to inculcate values of non-sexism and respect.
He also called for programmes to help teachers identify signs of abuse in children to provide the necessary support. Additionally, the premier said that it is important for the parents to teach their boys that power comes with responsibility. One of those responsibilities is to protect, especially the vulnerable.
The Premier also said that the province has implemented an elaborate programme to combat GBVF. This will ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice at the earliest.
Many law enforcement and similar organizations have already pledged their support to this critical initiative.