Residents take to the streets in Nkomazi, joining the Legislature’s 16 Days of Activism launch with a clear message: GBV must end, and communities must rise together. Picture Credit: supplied
By Staff Reporter
Nkomazi– The Mpumalanga Provincial Legislature officially launched the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children on Wednesday, 3 December 2025. The event took place at Block C Community Hall in Nkomazi Local Municipality under the Ehlanzeni District Council. Deputy Speaker Mr. Sam Masango, representing Speaker Ms. Makhosazane Masilela, led the programme, which was driven by the Select Committee on Women, Youth, Children, and People with Disabilities. Attendees included women and men representing various organisations.
The day began with a community march followed by a session involving multiple stakeholders at the community hall.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Jackson Malatjie, Chairperson of the Select Committee on Women, Youth, Children, and People with Disabilities, explained the Legislature’s role in oversight and community engagement. “The Legislature has a mandate to oversee the executive and roll out programmes like the fight against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and others,” Malatjie said.
Ms. Hildah Nyambi, Speaker of Nkomazi Local Municipality, welcomed attendees and expressed the municipality’s support for the campaign. She emphasized the urgency for collective action: “The time for rhetoric is over; everyone must play a role in combating GBV.”
Deputy Speaker Sam Masango highlighted the event’s significance as the official launch of the 16 Days of Activism campaign. He stressed that the fight against violence should extend throughout the year. “Today, we woke up to news that a husband stabbed his wife to death here in Nkomazi,” Masango said. “GBV happens indiscriminately and must be reported and fought at all costs.” He also called for dialogue with boys to educate them on the devastating impact of GBV, while urging communities to address contributing factors such as tavern culture and alcohol abuse.
Ms. Ester Maphanga, a GBV survivor and current activist at the Asisukumeni Shelter in Tonga, shared her harrowing experience. She described enduring severe abuse from her spouse in front of their children, hopeful he would provide for them despite the violence. Maphanga revealed the frustrations of the justice system, stating, “When I reported him, he would be arrested and released the next day without proper explanation. Women are suffering because they need to be fed.” She appealed to law enforcement authorities to take stronger action against GBV.
Mr. Mandla Madonsela, representing the Men’s Fora and Nkomazi Men’s Sector, condemned the woman’s killing reported that morning. He challenged men who buy liquor for women not to exploit them and urged tavern owners to take responsibility for their establishments. He also encouraged men to proactively check their health status.
Ms. Sasekani Manzini, Mpumalanga MEC for Health, conveyed the provincial government’s strong commitment to combating GBV. “GBV, starting at an early age, has rippling effects as people grow older,” she stated. Manzini called on teachers and faith leaders to incorporate child care and protection in their programmes, reminding the audience of the spirit of Ubuntu — that a community is responsible for raising every child. She also addressed gender dynamics, noting the importance of respecting women in leadership roles and raising boys and girls as equals. “Educated women should not be seen as a threat to men; both should treat each other with dignity and respect,” Manzini said. She praised Premier Mandla Ndlovu for establishing the country’s first Gender-Based Council and thanked the Legislature for intensifying the fight against GBV.
Commissioner Erica Mogane of the Commission for Gender Equality expressed gratitude to the provincial leadership for their commitment. She stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing GBV and cautioned against misconceptions about gender roles. “The rise of a woman does not mean the fall of a man,” Mogane emphasized. She drew attention to the concerning trend of GBV case withdrawals in Mpumalanga and highlighted cases involving victims as young as ten years old. The Commissioner warned against the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by some leaders, including teachers and faith-based figures.
She also noted that Emalahleni ranks among the top three areas in the country for assaults against men and urged men to report abuse anonymously. Mogane addressed the disturbing ‘Amavuso’ phenomenon—false rape claims made the day after consensual encounters—and the increasing pattern of young women targeting older men for material gain, both of which undermine efforts to fight real cases of GBV. She concluded by appealing to everyone to take responsibility for reporting all incidents of GBV, no matter how small.
Ward Councillor Mr. Ngomane thanked attendees, wished them a safe journey home, and highlighted the increasing abuse men face, calling for society to give this issue the attention it deserves.
The launch marks a critical step in mobilising civil society, government, and communities to intensify the fight against gender-based violence across Mpumalanga and beyond.
