Premier Thami Ntuli calls for action against festive-season gender-based violence in KZN
Premier Thami Ntuli has called GBV “unbearable,” urging families, communities, and men to take responsibility and act against violence during the festive season.
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thami Ntuli has raised concerns over the rise of gender-based violence (GBV) cases during the festive season, urging families and communities to play a more active role in protecting vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.
Ntuli described the situation as “unbearable” and highlighted factors contributing to the surge in cases.
According to the Premier, reports from the police suggest that drug and alcohol abuse are significant contributors to violent incidents.
“When you check what happens during those days, that is where people are beginning to enjoy themselves a lot on liquor. Unfortunately, during the festive season, you'll find the emancipation of alcohol intake being the issue,” he said.
However, he also pointed to underlying societal issues, particularly men’s behaviour.
He noted that “men do not speak out whenever they are confronted with a challenge between a partner, that they result in doing what results to a GBV,” and stressed the need for respect and recognition of women’s rights.
Ethekwini remains one of the districts hardest hit by GBV, and the Premier outlined targeted interventions the provincial government is implementing in hotspot areas.
He said government departments, including Social Development and Health, are working to provide counselling and behavioural programmes, such as Isibaya Samadoda, which encourage men to engage in discussions on responsible conduct.
NGOs, spiritual leaders, and the police are also involved in efforts to follow up on reported cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
Ntuli highlighted challenges, including cases being withdrawn after being reported, and stressed the importance of community cooperation.
“We can't be doing that when the scourge of gender-based violence is skyrocketing in the province of KwaZulu-Natal and in the country. It's important that we stand together,” he said.
He further emphasised the role of families in recognising early warning signs of violence.
“The leadership in families or the head of the families must be able to speak to their boys, growing sons, even to the daughters, that when you see your partner raising a voice, you must see that as a sign of being aggressive,” he said.
Ntuli warned against normalising abuse, saying boys must be taught not to become perpetrators, as such behaviour often escalates and can ultimately lead to death.
The Premier also reflected on high-profile cases, including the murder of Ayabonga Mjilo whose body was discovered after her disappearance on Christmas Day last year.
He said the province has learned the importance of collaboration across all sectors.
“Apart from the campaigns that are led by government, that are led by the NGOs, by the civil society, by the different sectors, including the private sector, it's important that all of us, we stand together as a nation against gender-based violence,” he said.
Ntuli urged communities to move beyond mere rhetoric and take visible action against GBV.
He cited recent initiatives in Ethekwini, where the province launched a 365 Days of Activism campaign in collaboration with spiritual leaders, the taxi industry, and civil society.
He also highlighted government efforts such as the hashtag #SilwisananeChilo campaign, aimed at promoting moral regeneration and denouncing violence against women.
“We need to stand together and find a way of ending this scourge of gender-based violence,” he said.
hope.ntanzi@iol.co.za
IOL News