'RISE AGAINST GBV SCOURGE’ – PREMIER LETSOHA - MATHAE

Photo: Premier Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae addressing the masses at Tshepano Primary School

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By: Neo Ntsele

Premier Letsoha – Mathae appealed to the community of Mashaeng to stand together in the fight against Gender Based Violence and Femicide.

Swas accompanied by MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi, Head of Department Godfrey Mahlatsi and the Executive Mayor of Dihlabeng Local Municipality Tseki Tseki.

The remarks were made at Tshepano Primary school hall in Mashaeng near Fouriesburg on Friday 23.

Premier took to the podium and addressed the audience in a fiery address which both acknowledged hard working and public servants, but also berated those who I'll treat the public.

“There was a time when we stood up and fought against apartheid and we were victorious. We are confronted with another enemy now in the form of Gender Based Violence and Femicide. We are at the mercy of heartless men who callously violate women. This is unacceptable,” said Premier Letsoha – Mathae before throwing a gauntlet to the men:

She added, “We want men to actually lead the fight against Gender Based Violence and Femicide. We want them to have a conversation amongst themselves and ask each other, “why are we doing this bafwethu?”

She reiterated that the habit of shielding criminals from the law does nothing but exacerbate abuse against women and children.

In a heart wrenching relay, which left the audience in shock, Premier Letsoha – Mathae told those in attendance about a young woman she had met earlier during the day who had been a subject of abuse allegedly by associates of her father.

“The child is very young, but was gang raped, allegedly by her father’s friends. It appears that the father and his associates were involved in criminal activity and the father allowed his daughter to be violated in that fashion. I am heartbroken, and have instructed the police to look into the case so that the law takes its course,” she said.

She continued, “The future of our children is being destroyed by parents who protect monsters. You often hear people saying “families have met” when a woman or child has been violated and that must come to an end. We have victims of abuse who are dead inside.”