Limpopo MEC for Social Development Ms Nkakareng Rakgoale says that the government alone cannot curb gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) or bullying at schools until civil society and individual members join hands in the fight against it.
An anti-bullying and GBVF awareness campaign, led by Rakgoale, was launched in Thohoyandou in a bid to create awareness about the dangers and effects of the social ills that are mostly affecting vulnerable people in society. Rakgoale interacted with members of school governing bodies, principals, the SAPS, the Pastor's Forum, other relevant stakeholders, and community members to exchange ideas on how best to tackle GBVF and bullying in schools during an event held at the Thohoyandou Children's Home on Thursday, 20 May.
Recent incidents that occurred in the district evoked great cause for concern and action. Lufuno Mavhunga, a learner from Mbilwi Secondary School near Thohoyandou, committed suicide after a video of her being bullied had gone viral on social media. A teacher from the same school was arrested in April this year for allegedly raping a minor.
According to Rakgoale, Thohoyandou and other communities in the Vhembe region had been declared as hotspots for GBVF, which would have to be addressed seriously, hence the campaign.
Reverend Dr Alunamutwe Randitsheni, who spoke on behalf of the Vhembe Pastor's Forum, said the church also had a role to play in the restoration of a spirit of ubuntu among communities. "As church leaders and pastors, we often encounter members from our communities who complain to us about gender-based violence and we have to attend to them, to save their lives. They are our people, and we don't have a choice but to look after them," said Randitsheni.