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Executive Mayor of Alfred Nzo District Municipality, Cllr. Vukile Mhlelembana, has issued a powerful call to action following a wave of gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) incidents, including the recent sexual assaults of minors in Matatiele.
Describing the assaults as “horrific and heinous,” the Mayor reaffirmed his trust in the South African justice system to pursue fast-tracked investigations and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable.
“The justice system must leave no stone unturned,” said Mhlelembana. “These brutal acts are a shameful indictment on men of this country. Ending violence against women and children must be our foremost priority.”
Mayor Mhlelembana also praised the Eastern Cape Departments of Education and Social Development for providing essential psychosocial support to the victims and their families. He commended the collective efforts of civil society and individuals who have rallied around the victims through public awareness and social media campaigns.
Justice for Cwecwe 💜
Justice for every child who is still too young to say #MeToo – yet whose innocence was stolen.We demand justice – not just for Cwecwe, but for every child. #womenforchange #justiceforcwecwe #EnoughSaid #aminext pic.twitter.com/FoAxjT6LFW
— Women For Change (@womenforchange5) March 30, 2025
In addition, he expressed support for the Department of Education’s decision to issue a notice of intent to deregister Bergview College in Matatiele, where some of the incidents are alleged to have occurred.
“These children are innocent. What they are going through is not their fault but the result of barbaric acts perpetrated by some men in society,” he said. “We must build a society where women, children, and the LGBTQIA+ community are free from violence rooted in patriarchal stereotypes.”
The statement underscores the municipality’s commitment to confronting GBVF head-on, calling on every sector of society to stand united in protecting the most vulnerable.
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