SECUNDA – Premier, Mandla Ndlovu has called on abuse victims to break the silence as the first step towards justice.
This was during the launch of the Provincial Gender Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) Council to intensify the fight against the scourge at the Graceland Hotel and Casino on Wednesday morning.
The structure is set to develop an action plan for the implementation of the Provincial Strategic Plan on GBVF, co-ordinate prevention measures, facilitate strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders, and revise the plans.
He said everyone should treat GBVF as a serious matter, stand up and fight, emphasising that safe spaces must be created for victims to speak out. “Silence will only perpetuate the acts of violence, but speaking out is the first step towards justice.”
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He told MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liasion, Jackie Macie to ensure perpetrators face the full might of the law.
“As a collective, we are not here to tick the right boxes, but to address and eradicate this scourge by working in unison.
This country has very strict laws and the justice department has the victims’ best interests at heart. Perpetrators need to know that their actions have consequences. We are declaring war,” said Ndlovu.
WATCH: A pledge was also signed by the premier and other stakeholders committing to contribute in the fight against GBVF.
