More than 300 residents from across the Vhembe District braved a cold, drizzling morning to march from the Mutale Bridge to the Makonde Stadium on Saturday, 12 April, to raise awareness about the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) that continues to plague the country.
The march was organised by the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ Christian Church to commemorate the first anniversary of the brutal murder of Funanani Patience Mbedzi Mundalamo, who was gunned down while worshipping.
Clergy from various churches in the Vhembe District joined the event, including Evangelist H.B. Ramulifho, who is also a councillor at the Thulamela Local Municipality.
One of the leading GBV activists in the region, Adv Vhutshilo Pertunia Madia, called on men to treat women and children with love and respect. "We are calling on the government and the law to protect women and children, and we also call on abusive partners to stop their evil deeds," she said.
Past Tshifhiwa Nepapame of the Precious Blood of Jesus Christ Christian Church thanked attendees for their support. "We are calling on those who could not attend today's march to join us next year. This is going to be an annual event to raise awareness in our communities about GBV," he said.