The KwaZulu-Natal government has taken a significant step in the fight against gender-based violence and femicide by deploying 211 activists across the province. Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli welcomed the activists at the Westville Correctional Facility in Durban, emphasizing their crucial role in raising awareness and supporting survivors of gender-based violence.
The activists, recruited from all districts, will undergo intensive training and are tasked with restoring hope, raising awareness, fighting for stronger laws and justice for survivors, and demanding accountability from authorities. They will also be responsible for reporting cases that reach police stations, with a system in place to monitor the situation and identify areas that require assistance.
Community Mobilization
The activists are expected to focus on community mobilization, leading marches and participating in events to highlight the province’s stance against gender-based violence and femicide. According to Premier Ntuli, the activists should not only be receiving statements or interviewing victims of abuse but should also be actively engaged in preventing and fighting against gender-based violence.
As the South African government continues to declare gender-based violence a national disaster, the KwaZulu-Natal province aims to make the fight against it practical by having dedicated individuals employed by the government to conduct community awareness programs and mobilize the community.
Empowering Communities
GBVF activist Niven Naidoo, based at Phoenix Police Station, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating that they have been empowered to go into communities to create more awareness and tackle gender-based violence. The Phoenix community, plagued by substance addiction and violence, requires a concerted effort to change mindsets and cultures, and the activists are determined to make a difference.
The deployment of these activists is a significant step towards addressing the scourge of gender-based violence and femicide in KwaZulu-Natal. With their dedication and commitment, the province hopes to see a decrease in the statistics and a safer environment for all.
- 211 activists deployed across KwaZulu-Natal
- Activists will undergo intensive training
- Community mobilization and awareness programs to be conducted
