The high rate of cases of gender-based violence (GBV) in the locations in the OR Tambo District Municipality, led to a men’s dialogue being hosted last week at the OR Tambo Hall in Mthatha.
The aim of this dialogue was to try to find solutions to fight this problem.
The Deputy Mayor for OR Tambo District Municipality, Councillor Thokozile Sokhanyile, said the issue of GBV is becoming worse, because even boys are not safe, referring to one of the incidents where a boy (13) from Libode was raped while returning from a soccer field.
“We decided to stand up and try to find a solution to fight this. The OR Tambo is leading when it comes to cases of rape. Mhlontlo Local Municipality is also a hot spot,” said Sokhanyile.
Gender activist, Lulama Ngcukayithobi, said they had a responsibility, as a nation, to educate men. He said families should ensure that they build homes that are functional so that they avoid these problems whereby children grew up having anger issues.
“Allowing your child to walk around at night is another problem and that is a family affair that needs to be corrected by families. Families should take full responsibility for raising their children,” said Ngcukayithobi, adding that they had decided to sit down with the men so that they could give their views and say what should be done.
MEC for Social Development, Bukiwe Fanta, urged men to take care of their children. She said even if a child is born out of wedlock, it is still a child that has needs. Fanta confirmed that her department had programmes that deal with the GBV victims.
“We should have more Thuthuzela centres that will deal with women who were abused in their marriages. We also have programmes to empower victims of GBV. We appeal to women to stop staying in abusive relationships,” said Fanta.
