Gauteng Government is prepared to fight a bitter battle in an effort to end Gender-based Violence that continues to threaten freedom of women and children in our society.
With less than two weeks before the kick start of 16 Days of Activism for no violence against Women and Children, the Gauteng Department of Social Development has already started with campaigns around the province. On Thursday, the department embarked in a door to door campaign, to engage and encourage community members to actively participate in the government programmes that aimed at tackling the scourge of Gender-Based Violence and the social challenges that continue to confront vulnerable groups. Community members were also invited to attend the event that was taking place at Ratanda local community hall Last Friday, in Heidelberg.
In that emotionally charged event community leaders, Young People, Parents including local civil society organization in Sedibeng called on government and the public to join hands in the bitter fight against abuse of women and children. They say there are more illegal shebeens in their area and that is one reason why the community is faced with enormous challenges such as alcohol abuse and drugs.
According to one community leader who is also a member of Ratanda Young Generation Organisation Moses Nku (36) said if government is serious about ending gender-based violence it must strive to eliminate illegal shebeens and severely deal with suppliers of drugs.
"We know that law enforcement officials are reluctant to arrest perpetrators because they are involved in the chain of drug supply. If we cannot deal with such kind of symptoms that eventually lead to violence in families, then we are perpetuating the problem" said Moses Nku.
He however, reiterated that gender-based violence need to be reported to relevant authorities.
A 76-year old senior citizen Simon Lemako who also attended the event expressed his worries about the behavior of young people in their area. He said lack of proper parenting and guidance to the young people are some of the reasons that gender-based violence is constantly increasing.
"We fight in front of our children as parents, we smoke and drink in their presence, guns are being displayed everywhere in their presence, obviously, they will think that violence is always a solution to every challenge" he added.
According Xola Filana a social worker VEP said their primary aim is to educate communities about gender-based violence and encourage them to work together in reporting any form of violence in their area.