KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli spearheaded a series of impactful community engagements in Dundee on Tuesday, culminating in the Silwa neChilo March aimed at combating Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in the uMzinyathi District.
The day commenced with the Engangeni Ngesango Iyafohla operation in Dundee CBD, where law enforcement, alongside community members, executed raids on various stores suspected of non-compliance. This operation was designed to tackle illegal activities and reinforce the rule of law. Residents, dressed in a vibrant mix of traditional clothing, school uniforms, and black protest T-shirts, gathered in large numbers, showcasing unity across different ages and social backgrounds.
At 09:00, the community marched from the TVET College through the CBD, singing and displaying placards demanding an end to GBVF. The march attracted a diverse crowd, including men, women, youth, and elders, many adorned in red and black to signify resistance and mourning for victims.
Premier Ntuli stated that the campaign aims to challenge detrimental social norms. “Silwa neChilo is focused on addressing the root causes of violence. We must break the culture of silence and ensure that offenders are held accountable,” he remarked. He also denounced the withdrawal of GBVF cases through informal family settlements, asserting that such actions “undermine justice and empower offenders.”
The uMzinyathi District Mayor emphasized the importance of collaboration. “We are partnering with communities, traditional leaders, and law enforcement to guarantee the protection of women and children. There can be no compromise regarding human dignity,” he stated.
The day wrapped up with a roundtable discussion at Dundee Battlefield Lodge, where GBVF ambassadors and Amakhosi participated in a panel discussing cultural practices and patriarchy. Participants highlighted the significance of promoting positive masculinity and maintaining community dialogue to eradicate GBVF.
Mr Buthelezi from Mzinyathi district that the main issue is funding for campaign work. He added that increased support would create a platform for men to actively engage in addressing the root causes of GBVF and drive sustainable community change through partnerships and education initiatives locally in our province.
Email: motshwari@onenews.co.za
