GCIS Leads GBVF Dialogue in Voveni Village

The Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) hosted a community dialogue on Friday, 21 November 2025, at Voveni Methodist Church in KwaBhaca. The session brought residents, local leaders, and government departments together to find solutions to Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF) in Voveni village. The dialogue forms part of the build-up to the 16 Days of Activism campaign starting on 25 November.

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What Happened

GCIS organised the dialogue after Ward 11 leadership raised concerns about rising GBV incidents in Voveni, which remains one of the high-risk areas under Rhode, especially for rape cases. The department partnered with the ward councillor and the ward committee to convene the community meeting.

The day began with a symbolic walk from Voveni Primary School to the church, a three-kilometre route. Participants wore black to show unity against GBVF and to honour victims in the village. The walk set the tone for the dialogue, where residents focused on practical ways to make their community safer while working closely with law enforcement.

Community members engaged experts from Social Development, Justice and Constitutional Development, the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Police Service, Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Umzimvubu Local Municipality, and the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism.

Official Response

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Officials and residents agreed that unity remains central to reducing GBVF in the area. SAPS committed to assisting with the establishment of a Community Policing Forum (CPF) and encouraged residents to follow proper procedures when supporting investigations, especially in handling evidence.

Voveni resident Zille Nzimeni welcomed the dialogue’s outcomes.
“What is making me happy about this dialogue today is the decision by the community to be united. That will assist disabled people like me to be also protected, as we are often victims of GBVF because of our situation. It was also pleasing to hear people talking about disabled people and how they need to be protected,” Nzimeni said.

Community Impact

Residents say the discussions renewed hope for safety and accountability in Voveni. The dialogue strengthened partnerships between the community and government departments, giving locals a platform to raise concerns, propose solutions, and work towards a coordinated response to GBVF.