With the aim of combatting gender-based violence (GBV) and xenophobia, Vumbanani for Peace Building (VFP) recently held an anti-violence campaign at Riverplaats, with more than 100 residents in attendance. The campaign follows the concerning increase in cases of women and child abuse in the area, as well as the unrest that occurred after three Zimbabwean immigrants were burnt to death last month.
The three deceased men were apprehended by an angry crowd while they were allegedly peeling off the plastic casings from stolen copper cables. Being close to Chavani, where the incident occurred, the campaign at Riverplaats village was also intended to curb the spread of the violence into other villages.
Residents blamed insecurities and poverty as the main causes why foreign nationals were being blamed for taking the majority of jobs. Tintswalo Makamu, a local resident, said that she learned the importance of coming to share problems with those she could trust to avoid becoming a victim of GBV. "I now believe that sharing our problems with those close to us is the only way to mitigate the rising issue of GBV," she said.
She added that she was opposed to the unjust treatment of immigrants. "It's not true that foreigners are a threat to our jobs; they simply work harder than most of us and are willing to take any job they can get," she explained.
Tendai Chandigere, a VFP member, was very grateful and happy that the residents supported their goal of bringing the community together. "We engaged everyone in that community to fight against violence against women and children, as well as xenophobia," she said.