By Nhlakanipho Mnqayi
The KwaZulu-Natal Premier, Thami Ntuli has weighed in heavily on the scourge of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and Femicide particularly during the festive season.
Ntuli reiterated these remarks as we edge closer to 16 days of Activism against Women and Children which starts on the 25th of November and ends on 10 December.
“Year after year, this period that should be marked by joy, rest, and togetherness, too often it becomes a season of grief for many families across our province. Too many women, young girls, and the elderly fall victim to acts of violence and abuse, often at the hands of those who should be their protectors,” Ntuli said.
He added that as Premier, he wishes to make a call with the deepest sense of urgency and moral conviction that will make this festive season a turning point.
“I call upon the men of KwaZulu-Natal, fathers, brothers, sons, and leaders to rise with honour and responsibility. Rise to protect, not to harm. Rise to defend the dignity and safety of our daughters, our wives, our mothers, and women in general.”
“Every woman and every child in this province deserves to walk freely, to celebrate safely, and to live without fear. Their safety is not a privilege, it is a constitutional and moral right that we, as society, must uphold. We must also extend this commitment to the elderly, who are among the most vulnerable during this time. Let us ensure that our homes and communities are sanctuaries of respect and compassion, places where women, children and the aged are protected and cherished,” he concluded.
He closed off by saying if KwaZulu-Natal is to prosper, it must first become a province that values life, dignity and equality which begins by ending violence against women and children.
