Free State, South Africa: The constant killings of women and children, as well as the general moral decay, demand strong action from the constituency of the Free State by residents.
This was the view of Premier Mxolisi Dukwana at the national prayer day against gender-based violence and taxi violence, which was held in Botshabelo on Saturday, 21 October 2023.
The prayer service was organized by the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) and Mzansi Act Now, an organization established by concerned South African men and women who have organized themselves nationally to fight the scourge of Gender Based Violence and femicide, social ills and create safe spaces within our communities.
Violence against women and children is well documented, and the same with taxi violence, which often leaves a bloody trail of killings in its wake. The Premier said these atrocities happen because society often chooses to look the other way.
“We must work together to confront these problems. We should not look the other way when a woman is being viciously beaten by her better half or a child is being subjected to abuse. As a community, we must take a stand against such and ensure that our children and the women of our province are shielded from harm,” Premier Dukwana said.
He also said disagreements amongst taxi owners must not lead to violence, particularly because the taxi industry is owned by black people. Premier Dukwana appealed for a peaceful resolution to conflicts whenever they happen.
Other ministries also joined Premier Dukwana, including transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga, MEC for Community Safety, Roads and Transport MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, the Executive Mayor of Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality Gregory Nthatisi and the leadership of SANTACO joined Premier Dukwana.
However, residents are not supporting Premier because they said Prayer will never finish Violence, we must have street committees or block committees and fight violence.