“We live with wicked men who, driven by uncontrollable, sick and sexual urges, find sexual gratification from babies, even their own biological children,” said social development spokesperson Thembile Nqabeni. “Ours is, indeed, a nation in need of help.”

Nqabeni made the statement following the launch of a comprehensive 90-day action programme spearheaded by social development MEC Mathabo Hlalele. 

The programme aims to respond to the “long-standing socio-economic damage caused by apartheid-era policies, especially the dismantling of the family unit by the migrant labour system, while confronting the present-day scourge of violence against women and children”.

A ministerial meeting on justice, crime prevention, and security reflected on the severity of GBVF in the country, reaffirming the government’s strategic intent to intensify efforts in communication, awareness, and community mobilisation, he said.

Despite national declarations by the president and various GBVF-focused campaigns, the Free State continues to witness an alarming surge in violence, particularly within Mangaung Metro, which has been identified as a hotspot with over 500 reported cases.

“From deep inside her grave, Machaka Radebe is crying out against gender-based violence, which cost her her precious life. So is Mpho Moalusi, Olorato Mongalo, Bongiwe Phulampa, and so are many victims of gender-based violence and femicide in our beloved province,” said Nqabeni.

“These poor women lost their lives because some cowards felt that they had the power to decide their fate.”

Nqabeni described the situation as shameful, saying South Africa has become a nation where women and children “are casually murdered, and where beastly violence has left an indelible stain across the social and emotional landscape of South Africa”.

The province will not remain paralysed by despair. The ministerial meeting held on 14 April took a resolution “to take the fight to those who violate the women and children of our country”.

“As a result, the cabinet approved a focused 90-day programme aimed at boosting public awareness, strengthening social cohesion, improving parenting skills, encouraging economic sector participation, and enhancing community mobilisation.”

Under the leadership of Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, the province has appointed a provincial GBVF coordination task team to actively mobilise across communities, he added.

“We will shout the loudest in condemnation of gender-based violence and femicide. We will not be silenced. We will scream out with Olorato Mongalo and all victims of gender-based violence and femicide, and our voices will be heard.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi