The Namakwa community expresses grave concern regarding the escalating instances of Gender-based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) within the region.
They believe that adhering to the color black leads the efforts against GBV to a standstill, as the numbers of victimized women and children continue to surge.
This comes after more than five cases of GBVF occurred during Women’s Month in August.
“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH” has been shouted endlessly but has seemingly fallen on deaf ears.
The Namakwa District Municipality, along with executive mayor Mervin Cloete, presented a Memorandum of Demand to the local South African Police Service (SAPS) during a prayer march against the GBV pandemic on Friday, August 23.
The GBV advocates silently marched from the 4 Kamp area to the open area next to Radio NFM.
The mayors of the local municipalities (Nama-Khoi: Rodney Kritzinger, Ritchersveld: Cornell Knoph, Kamiesberg: Susarrah Nero) joined the march in solidarity, along with the national member of parliament, Errol Cloete.
Several local governmental departments, young women, the SAPS, community forums, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), and Civil Society signed a registry to demonstrate their support for the cause.
The District municipality expressed dismay at having to commemorate 30 years of women’s progress while still facing brutal abuse. Advocacy for women’s rights and fight against abuse was commemorated under the theme: “Women’s Socio-Economic Rights and Empowerment: Building Back Better for Women’s Improved Resilience.”
Councilor Pascoline Van Heerden, executive mayoral committee member, read the Memo of Demand, highlighting the urgency to fast-track GBV cases in all police stations across the region.
It was emphasized that all areas in the region should be treated as hotspots and that the police must receive adequate training in handling sensitive cases.
The committee declared zero-tolerance against police personnel who enable GBV.
They committed to raising awareness of GBVF, leading a social compact between Civil Society and public and private organizations to combat GBVF.
Furthermore, they promised to ensure that no cases go unreported in the communities, and urged communities, local forums, and municipalities to work with the police to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
There was no specified deadline for feedback expected from the police.
Mayor Cloete, speaking to NFM News, said that the District will be hosting a picket on Friday, 30 August 2024, at the Springbok four-way by Spar in the morning during peak hours.
