Premier takes action against women abuse
A 16 Days of Activism Campaign launched in eMpembeni.
THE reality of violence against women and children was brought to the fore at the eMpembeni Tribal Court grounds on Tuesday where KZN Premier Senzo Mchunu launched the 16 Days of Activism campaign.
Touched by the outcry of grieving families, including a young mother whose daughter’s body was found mutilated, Mchunu gave the assurance that such cases would get the full attention they deserve. The mourning mother pleaded with the Premier to assist in the search for her child’s murderer.
With a spate of sexual crimes reported in the area, a three-day community support programme was declared.
Spearheaded by the Acting General Manager in the Office of the Premier, Prof Queeneth Mkabela-Castiano, the project aims to tackle issues affecting the community.
‘Starting on Monday, the Office of the Premier and all other stakeholders will be here in eMpembeni. We want to bring services to the people and assist them. This area has been affected with violence and crime and many people have been affected. This platform will give them strength,’ said Mchunu.
‘We will be working closely with various departments and the police, ensuring that we put the violence in this area to an end.’
During his keynote address, Mchunu pleaded with men to play their role and prevent abuse against women and children. Under the slogan ‘Count Me In’, he encouraged others to start their own initiatives in their areas.
‘It is time we stand together and fight. I have encouraged every ward to establish a war room. This will be a good platform for people to come together and discuss issues affecting their community.’
‘We must put a stop to abuse, whether physical, sexual or psychological, together moving a non-violent society forward.’
KZN SAPS Commissioner, Lieutenant General Mmamonnye Ngobeni, encouraged communities to report cases to the police.
Provincial and local leaders, including uThungulu District Mayor Thembeka Mchunu, also visited two grieving families in the area.
The Zondo and Ntuli families both tragically lost their children.
