GREATER TZANEEN MUNICIPALITY LAUNCHES 16 DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GBV

RELELA VILLAGE | The Greater Tzaneen Municipality officially launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children on Thursday, 4 December 2025 at Relela Community Hall.

 

The purpose of the event was to raise awareness about the reality of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and to encourage people to report any form of about to the police or social workers. The launch brought together various stakeholders, including Councillors, South African Police Service (SAPS) members, Headmen, Community Police Forum (CPF) members ,and Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs).

 

Prof. S. Letsoalo opened the programme with a prayer, where she stressed the message: “Away with GBV, away!”

 

Lieutenant Colonel Yvonne Mkhonto highlighted that the aim of the day was to educate and remind people that Gender-Based Violence is real. She urged parents to prioritize their children’s safety instead of protecting perpetrators, warning that parents who ignore or hide cases of abuse against their children can also be arrested for contributing to the abuse. She encouraged parents to build friendly relationships with their children so they feel free to speak out, saying, “Report any case of abuse without fear or favour.”

 

Councillor Maggie Makala urged parents not to traumatize their children, while Councillor Betty Ramoshaba emphasized that the Greater Tzaneen Municipality Women’s Commission fully supports the campaign. She further added that the fight between against GBV should continue every day of the year, not just for 16 days.

 

In his remarks, Colonel Phoyisa Zitha explained that reporting someone is not meant to destroy them but to correct their behaviour and prevent repeat offences. He also noted that some children abuse their parents, and SAPS encourages everyone to report any form of abuse they experience.

 

#Let’s work together to end Gender-Based Violence.

 

Compiled by Makhubele Elsie edited Mokhobi Thabile

 

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