MIDDELBURG – The Nkangala District Municipality officially concluded its 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) on December 17, 2024, with a dedication to supporting victims across its six local municipalities.
Aligned with its service delivery and infrastructure objectives, the municipality has committed to creating safer and more inclusive communities, making the fight against GBVF a priority within its developmental agenda.
Speaking at the event, Khelina Masango, a social worker and manager at the Middelburg Victim Support Centre, applauded the municipality’s efforts in tackling what she described as a “serious pandemic” gripping South Africa.
Masango highlighted the centre’s role in offering hope and healing to gender-based violence survivors through services like psychosocial support and individual counselling.
“Victims should not hide or fear speaking out,” she urged. “Our centre is open to anyone seeking healing.”
Pastor Aifeli Nethonoda, representing a faith-based organisation, expressed relief at seeing male victims of GBV participating in the campaign.
“Society often assumes men are always the perpetrators, but men are also victims,” he said. “We need to address violence without being gender-biased and tackle its roots from all angles.”
Delivering the keynote address, MMC for Social Services Dipou Mahlangu reaffirmed the municipality’s commitment to addressing GBVF as part of its 2024/2025 Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP).
Mahlangu emphasised the need for a broader focus when tackling violence against women and children. She also included men, older persons, the LGBTIQ+ community, and people with disabilities as groups requiring protection against violence.
The campaign’s conclusion serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to eradicate GBVF and build a society where everyone feels safe and supported.
