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SAPS members in the Eastern Cape engaged with tavern owners, youth, and the community at Melisizwe Tavern in Kwazakele, Gqeberha on June 29 to highlight and discuss issues on Gender Based Violence and femicide.
According to police spokesperson, Colonel Priscilla Naidu, the purpose of the dialogue was to address GBV and societal ills through community participation. It also aimed at enhancing communication systems and structures implemented in urban, semi-urban and rural areas, especially the most affected by GBV and femicide.
"KwaZakhele is considered as one of the 30 hotspots identified by the South African Police Service," said Naidu.
She said the attendees were divided into different commissions, and deliberated on the following topics:
- Role of men and communities in fighting GBV and femicide
- Non-compliance of liquor outlets as contributing factor to GBVF
- How to curb hate crime LGBTQI+
- How to maintain safety in taverns
- How to prevent substance / alcohol abuse (underage drinking)
Provincial Head for Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) Unit, Brigadier Cebo Khonza reiterated integrated approach in dealing with GBV and femicide in every sphere of the society. He appealed to the community to play their critical role in their respective environments, as the environment has a great impact on both perpetrators and victims.
“I would like to challenge the men to ensure stability in every angle of society by ensuring safety of women, and to get rid of patriarchal tendencies that lessen the value of women,” said Khonza.
Deputy Provincial Commissioner for Policing, Major General Thandiswa Kupiso explained the dialogue as an effort to educate community and tavern owners about their responsibilities in ensuring order in society.
She further described the dialogue as a well-organised platform to deliberate on issues that negatively affect society and agree on workable strategies and solutions in ensuring stability and harmony in every environment. She emphasised integrated approach as everyone has role to fight gender bases violence and femicide.
“I would like to call on parents to play their role in their respective homesteads, as family is characterized as a basic structure of society,” said Kupiso.
“I am also urging community members to change their negative attitude towards the LGBTQI+ community, as their attitudes result in GBV.”
Kupiso utilised the platform to condemn non-compliance by liquor outlets as it is a causal factor of alcohol abuse that greatly contributes to GBV.
Acting Head of Department for Community Safety, Brandon Jonas characterised the dialogue as a ground-breaking initiative that has a potential to positively shape the society.
“I am calling upon community to lead in the fight against GBV and femicide by dealing with causal factors,” said Jonas.
“I would also like to urge all the stakeholders to practise an integrated approach in assisting communities towards safety, harmony and stability in every sphere of society.” SAPS Management were impressed by the positive participation and attitude of stakeholders and community in attendance.
