This as Monday, December 10, marked the last day of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign Against Women And Child Abuse.

Kekana says 2018, was the year that the scourge of women and child abuse received a great deal of awareness and the message against the violence and femicide was amplified. The Deputy Minister mentioned the #TheTotalShutdown initiative, which called for women to not engage in any economic activity for the day against gender-based violence. Women instead took to the streets in their black and red regalia to march against the issue. Kekana lauded men who also stood for the cause, mentioning the 100 men march organised by government as an example. The Deputy Minister says this is proof that people are acknowledging that this is a societal issue. She says while in Parys she was made aware of incidents where boys are molested in a Thaba Nchu-based school. She says the issue needs to move beyond 16 days, it has to receive widespread attention throughout the year, says Kekana.

The Deputy Minister’s comments come after five boys allegedly gang-raped a 14-year old boy in a toilet at Namanyane Primary school in Thaba Nchu in June. One of the accused is 13 years old. The Free State Education Department stated that the boys have been suspended previously for ill-behaviour and bullying. Following their arrests, the boys were again suspended from school. Kekana says the Communications department will continue to spread the word via community radio stations and dialogues like the one that took place yesterday regarding the issue.

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