During the national lockdown, President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on television that Gender based Violence against women, children and older persons was a second pandemic in our country. Social Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu was then directed by the President to travel to different districts in Gauteng province to form interfaith GBV forums in different communities.
The purpose of these forums is to strengthen existing response, care and support services by the state and civil society in many ways that are victim-centered and survivor-centered and survivor-focused to facilitate recovery and healing. Victims must feel supported by the system to access the necessary psychosocial material and other support required to assist with their healing.
Anna Sithole who was accompanying Zulu said that "The visit by Minister to the Sedibeng region was to talk to the religious leaders and traditional leaders about anti GBV services with the religious sector and to also train them about victim empowerment".
Sithole added that the religious sector has the responsibility of informing its congregants about the effects of GBV and Femicide in the communities, and to also advocate for and influence the change of behavior and social norms within key groups because of the rollout of evidence based prevention interventions.
"We are ready to work with government to curb the scourge of GBV and Femicide in our communities therefore tell the Minister that we will deliver the message to our followers, we were just waiting for this opportunity to partner with social workers and the department of social development", said Faith Based  Organization (FBO) Chairperson Bishop Marokwane.
A Traditional leader in Sedibeng, Mofokeng, said that "as traditional leaders we vow to work with government and educate our boys at initiation schools about the dangers of GBV and Femicide in our communities". Zulu is expected to visit the Sedibeng region again on the 29th of March 2021.