09/06/2026
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MEC HLALELE CALLS FOR COLLECTIVE ACTION AGAINST GBVF AND SOCIAL ILLS.
Today, during the MEC’s stakeholder engagement on GBVF that took place at Harry Gwala Multipurpose centre in Sasolburg.
MEC delivered a keynote address to the victims of Gender-Based violence and the community of Zamdela at large. MEC Hlalele has called on communities, particularly men and young people, to become active partners in the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), stressing that government alone cannot defeat the scourge without the support of society.
Addressing community members during an engagement programme, MEC Hlalele challenged men to reject harmful stereotypes that discourage them from seeking help and urged them to make use of available government support services.
“Men, stop bottling things up. That’s what kills you. Just because there’s a saying that ‘monna ke nku ha lle’ does not mean you must suffer in silence,” she said. “If you have a problem, go to social workers and tell them your problems. They will help you.”
The MEC said addressing mental health challenges and encouraging men to seek support were critical components in the broader effort to tackle violence, abuse and social instability within communities. She further condemned all forms of violence against women and children, emphasizing that respect for human dignity and bodily autonomy must be at the centre of efforts to build safer communities.
“If a woman says no, respect that and move on,” MEC Hlalele said, while calling on men to work with government and community structures in the fight against GBVF.
The MEC also raised concern over alcohol abuse, describing it as one of the key drivers of domestic violence and other social ills. She urged community members to consume alcohol responsibly and take greater responsibility for their actions.
Addressing the issue of youth unemployment, MEC Hlalele encouraged young people to use their education and skills to participate in government-supported economic initiatives, including cooperatives aimed at creating sustainable livelihoods.
She said unemployment, substance abuse and social challenges continue to undermine efforts to eradicate GBVF and strengthen communities.
“Communities must support one another. If we work together and make use of the opportunities available through government programmes, we can reduce unemployment and restore hope among our young people,” she said.
As part of government's ongoing commitment to strengthening support services for victims of abuse, Hlalele officially handed over a vehicle to a local shelter. The vehicle will assist in transporting survivors of violence to places of safety and ensuring they receive the necessary support while their cases are being processed.
“Today we are handing over a vehicle to the shelter. When someone opens a case, they are fetched and placed in the shelter until the case is completed,” she explained.
The MEC said the handover demonstrates government's determination to improve victim support services and provide practical interventions in the fight against GBVF.
She concluded by calling for stronger partnerships between government, community leaders, civil society organisations and residents to tackle violence, unemployment and substance abuse, stressing that social cohesion and collective responsibility remain essential to building peaceful and prosperous communities.
“Together, we can end GBVF and create safer communities for women, children and future generations,” she said.
🟣STOP GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE🟣
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