The recent discovery of the bodies of approximately eight women in the Ekurhuleni Municipality has intensified calls to end gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) across the country.
Government departments have joined forces in investigations led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and have appealed for support from civil society, the religious sector and communities.
A key player in this collaboration is the Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD), which believes that rebuilding healthy family structures could help curb the scourge of GBVF.
The department’s Head of Communications expanded on the issue during an exclusive interview with YOU FM.
“In most cases, GBV doesn’t happen on the streets. It happens in our intimate spaces, in households, and then finds expression in the streets. That’s why we are calling on men and encouraging them to respect their mothers, wives and girlfriends. Live with them in harmony and peace, and become a good man in society. Ultimately, if we deal with the family structure, we will have better communities and a better country,” Cassius Selala explained.
He called on men to take a decisive stance against the abuse of women and children.
“We must be called out for who we are. There is resistance to changing our behaviour, and that must stop. The time has come to stop telling women what to wear, where to go and what not to do. We must be honest with each other. Enough is enough,” he emphasised.
Selala expressed confidence in the department’s ongoing initiatives to combat GBVF and said continued partnerships among relevant stakeholders could help achieve the desired outcomes.
He said the ultimate goal is to ensure that women and children can live without fear for their lives and safety.
