Minister in the Presidency Sindisiwe Chikunga has reaffirmed that her department is committed to eradicating gender-based violence (GBV).
The minister responsible for women, youth and persons with disabilities suggested robust and year-long interventions to deal with the scourge.
Chikunga was speaking out against the backdrop of a GBV killing on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday.
A 25-year-old woman’s body was found in Umzinto with multiple stab wounds.
Sibusiso Lawrence Ntaka posted a statement to social media in which he confessed to killing the woman. He identified her as his girlfriend, Nontobeko Cele.
The following day, he was found hanging from a tree, not far from where Cele’s body had been found.
Senseless GBV killing condemned
Chikunga strongly condemned the tragic and senseless murder. She also extended her deepest condolences to Cele’s family, friends and loved ones.
“This incident reaffirms the need for robust, year-long interventions. Community-based initiatives, and stricter measures are also needed to address GBVF at its root. We must unite as government, civil society, and individuals to create a South Africa where women and children can live without fear.”
This incident occurred days after the end of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign. The annual campaign ran from November 25 to December 10.
Devastating reminder of a need to speed up intervention
Chikunga said this is a “devastating reminder of the need to accelerate our efforts to address GBV and femicide (GBVF)”.
“As a nation, we must move beyond 16 Days and commit to 365 Days of Activism to eradicate this scourge,” she said.
The minister recently joined King Misuzulu kaZwelithini in KwaZulu-Natal.
Both led the Men Unite Against GBVF March, which called on men to take a stand against gender-based violence.
More needs to be done
“This tragic case underscores the urgency of our call to action. It is a stark reminder that, while we are making strides in mobilising communities, more needs to be done. We need to ensure these commitments translate into lasting change,” the minister said.
She commended police for their swift investigation. As well as social workers for providing psychosocial support to the families.
She condemned the misuse of social media to perpetuate harm and violence.
“The exploitation of social media to glorify violence must be stopped. Platforms must take stronger measures to prevent the sharing of harmful content. They must also ensure [that] the dignity of victims and their families is protected.”
The minister further called for collaborative efforts across society to tackle GBVF.
KZN a hotspot for GBVF
Meanwhile, the province of KwaZulu-Natal continues to report alarming rates of GBVF.
On Friday, Mondli Cele, 24, allegedly stabbed his girlfriend and son, 3, to death. He then hanged himself inside a house in Umgababa, also on the South Coast.
It is reported that he sent a relative a message giving instructions on how to access the house.
Recent national crime statistics showed that police stations in the province lead the country in GBV-related crimes.
First South African National Gender-Based Violence Study research has revealed that 35.5% of women in South Africa experience physical or sexual violence.
It showed that many occurred in KwaZulu-Natal.
Alarmingly, 22.4% of ever-partnered women reported experiencing physical intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. This while 7.9% reported experiencing sexual IPV.
“These figures highlight the pervasiveness of IPV as a major driver of GBVF. The department remains committed to implementing policies and programmes that address the root causes of GBVF. That promote gender equity, and hold perpetrators accountable,” Chikunga said.
- SAnews.gov.za
