As the country prepares to mark the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence against Women and Children campaign, the City of Ekurhuleni has urged the citizens of the municipality to join hands and actively fight off any form of violence.
Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor, Sivuyile Ngodwana, said it is an unfortunate well-known fact that violence against women and children has been increasing drastically.
“It has become a trend which we are very ashamed of as a country and even more so as men because majority of the perpetrators of these crimes are males. I am raising my hand to be among those who vigorously fight against this continuing scourge.
“The City of Ekurhuleni stands in solidarity with all the activism taking place across the country during this campaign. It must be a daily fight which is not only comes alive during these 16 days but this period should be about intensifying our commitment to this cause,” Ngodwana said.
Ngodwana also called on everyone to stand up, unite and work hard to end any form of violence against women and children within their communities, schools or workplace.
The mayor’s call comes a day before the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, scheduled to take place at Nsikazi Stadium in the City of Mbombela in Mpumalanga.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will preside at this year’s launch, which will be commemorated under the theme: “Accelerating Actions to end Gender Based Violence and Femicide, leaving no one behind”, a call to action to raise awareness about the devastating impact that gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has on women, children, and the entire social fabric.
South Africa will observe 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children from 25 November until 10 December. – SAnews.gov.za
