The appeal comes after Sanna Nomvula Mandla was allegedly shot dead by her intimate partner in Ventersburg at about 22:00 on Saturday (22/8). Her killing during Women’s Month has again highlighted concerns about intimate partner violence and the continued killing of women.

Free State social development MEC Mathabo Hlalele condemned Mandla’s killing and expressed concern that women continue to die at the hands of people closest to them. She said this comes while South Africa commemorates the women of 1956 and the progress made in advancing women’s rights.

“The killing of Sanna Nomvula Mandla is a painful reminder that our struggle for the emancipation of women is far from over. It is deeply disturbing that during Women’s Month, a month dedicated to honouring the courage and sacrifices of women, we are mourning yet another woman whose life has allegedly been taken through intimate partner violence.”

Hlalele said the incident should not be viewed in isolation, but as part of the wider fight against patriarchy, unequal power relations and violence against women. She has also called on men and young people to become active partners in efforts to curb GBVF.

She said the continued killing of women by intimate partners undermines the rights and dignity South Africa’s democracy was intended to protect. Women’s Month should therefore extend beyond commemorations and celebrating women in leadership to confronting poverty, unemployment, abuse and violence affecting women in communities.

“The women of 1956 marched because they refused to live under a system that treated them as inferior and denied them their dignity and freedom. Seventy years later, we cannot accept a situation where women are still being denied the most fundamental right of all – the right to live.”

Hlalele called for closer cooperation between government departments, law enforcement agencies, community organisations, traditional and community leaders, civil society and families. She said early warning signs of intimate partner violence must be identified and acted on before abuse escalates.

She extended condolences to Mandla’s family and appealed to communities to support them while respecting their privacy.

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