MPUMALANGA – The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Mpumalanga has reaffirmed its commitment to fighting gender-based violence (GBV) in the province.
The commitment aligns with the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, observed every year from November 25 to December 10. The campaign aims to raise awareness and mobilise action to end all forms of violence against women and children.
On Monday, November 25, 2024, the DA launched its awareness campaigns across Mpumalanga, aimed at engaging communities in dialogue about preventing GBV. The team kicked off the campaign in Sundra, Delmas, where they interacted with community members, handed out white ribbons, and conducted a cleaning project in front of the local Coca-Cola shop.
The DA’s call to action includes supporting survivors, strengthening law enforcement mechanisms, and holding perpetrators accountable. The party also emphasised the need for prevention through education, empowering communities, and advocating for the implementation of the National Strategic Plan on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
Diane Bath, DA ward councillor in the Victor Khanye municipality, told Highveld Chronicle that the party stands in solidarity with survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). “As the 16 Days of Activism period has already started, we strongly believe that South Africa needs 365 days of activism against this scourge,” she said.
“Ending GBV requires a united front. We call on the government, civil society, and every South African to not just pay lip service but to be a voice for the voiceless and stand up against the injustice of gender-based violence.”
The DA’s campaign comes as the country grapples with alarming rates of GBV. According to the National Crime Statistics, GBV cases have increased significantly over the past few years. A total of 53,293 GBV cases were reported in the 2020/2021 financial year, rising to 64,535 cases in 2021/2022. Between April and June 2024, a total of 18,558 GBV cases were reported, reflecting a 10.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The campaign also encourages GBV victims and witnesses to report incidents online through the GBV Command Centre at https://gbv.org.za/report. The platform offers immediate support and access to resources.
As the 16 Days of Activism campaign unfolds, the DA’s efforts in Mpumalanga serve as a beacon of hope for a future where GBV is eradicated, and survivors receive the support and justice they deserve.
