By Phenyo Selinda
Fouriesburg, Free State – On Friday, 23 August 2024, Free State Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae took a decisive stand against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF), addressing a packed Tshepano Primary School Hall in Mashaeng, Fouriesburg. The event marked a critical moment in the province’s ongoing fight against a scourge that continues to devastate families and communities across South Africa.
Premier Letsoha-Mathae began her address by reflecting on the progress made since the fall of apartheid but lamented the rise of GBVF as a new, insidious threat to the nation’s social fabric. “Thirty years into democracy, after uprooting the illegitimate apartheid regime, South Africa now faces a different, yet equally destructive evil: Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” she said. The Premier’s words resonated deeply with the audience, as she acknowledged the pervasive impact of GBVF, not only on individual victims but on society as a whole.
The awareness program, which also addressed issues of alcohol and substance abuse, was part of a broader initiative by the Free State government to combat these social ills. The decision to hold the event in Mashaeng was driven by the alarming number of GBVF cases reported in Fouriesburg, underscoring the need for immediate action in this community.
The Impact of GBVF on Society
In her speech, Premier Letsoha-Mathae highlighted the far-reaching consequences of GBVF, which extend beyond the immediate trauma experienced by victims. “The devastating effect of GBVF extends far beyond individual trauma. It erodes social structures, impedes economic development, and perpetuates cycles of violence and poverty,” she explained. The Premier emphasized that victims often suffer long-term physical and psychological harm, which can severely limit their opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The Premier’s remarks were supported by the presence of key government officials, including MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi, who echoed her concerns about the destructive nature of GBVF. Their unified stance sent a powerful message to the community: that the Free State government is committed to addressing these issues head-on.
Addressing Police Conduct and Community Responsibility
One of the most striking aspects of Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s address was her candid criticism of societal tendencies to protect perpetrators and her condemnation of poor police conduct in handling GBVF cases. “I strongly discouraged any societal tendencies to protect perpetrators and condemned poor police conduct in handling GBVF cases,” she stated, urging communities to stand against these injustices.
The Premier’s call to action was clear: communities must not only isolate abusers but also actively report any acts of GBVF and crime in general. This message was particularly poignant given the recent case in Petrusburg, where an 82-year-old man was accused of raping a minor. The Premier described this incident as “very disturbing,” highlighting the need for a collective effort to bring such perpetrators to justice.
A Heartbreaking Account
In a moment that left the audience in stunned silence, Premier Letsoha-Mathae recounted a tragic story she had encountered earlier in the day. She spoke of a young girl who had been gang-raped, allegedly by associates of her father. The Premier’s voice carried the weight of the horror she felt as she shared the details of this case, which she described as “heartbreaking.” She assured those present that she had instructed the police to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that justice was served.
The Premier’s emotional recounting of this incident underscored the urgency of the GBVF crisis and the need for communities to come together to protect the most vulnerable members of society. “The future of our children is being destroyed by parents who protect monsters,” she said, calling for an end to the culture of silence and complicity that allows such atrocities to continue.
A Call to Men
In a bold and challenging statement, Premier Letsoha-Mathae called on men to take a leading role in the fight against GBVF. “We want men to actually lead the fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide,” she declared, urging them to engage in conversations among themselves about the root causes of this violence. Her challenge to the men in the audience to ask each other, “why are we doing this bafwethu?” was met with rapturous applause, signaling strong support for her call to action.
Government’s Commitment to Action
The Free State government, under Premier Letsoha-Mathae’s leadership, has made combating GBVF a top priority. The Premier reiterated her administration’s commitment to providing the necessary support and resources to address this crisis, including educational programs like the one held in Mashaeng. These initiatives, she explained, are crucial in raising awareness and empowering communities to stand up against GBVF and substance abuse.
The event also served as an opportunity for government officials and stakeholders to engage directly with the community, providing them with information and resources to combat these issues. The Premier was encouraged by the strong turnout and the enthusiastic support from those in attendance, including MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi and various other stakeholders.
Moving Forward
As the awareness program concluded, Premier Letsoha-Mathae left the audience with a message of hope and determination. She emphasized that the fight against GBVF and substance abuse requires a sustained, collective effort from all sectors of society. “We remain dedicated to ensuring that every woman and child in this province can live free from fear and violence,” she said, calling on all members of the community to join in this critical struggle.
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