ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ETHEKWINI TAKES A STAND AGAINST GBVFA WITH AWARENESS HIKE
In a show of unity against Gender-Based Violence, Femicide and Atomicity (GBVFA), eThekwini Municipality today partnered with Mzansi Act Now to host a 4 km awareness hike aimed at educating and empowering young women.
The initiative, led through the City’s Community Services Committee, brought together 50 female students from the Durban University of Technology in a symbolic stand against GBVFA, combining physical activity with awareness and advocacy.
The session focused not only on physical wellness, but also on promoting healing as a critical component of long-term solutions to gender-based violence.
According to the National GBV Study conducted in 2022 by the Human Sciences Research Council, more than 35 percent of South African women aged 18 and older have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime.
In light of these alarming figures, the City continues to roll out programmes and partnerships aimed at curbing what has been described as a national pandemic.
Through partnerships, strategic planning, and the introduction of educational programmes that encourage open dialogue, the Municipality seeks to become a beacon of hope for those affected.
“We are excited to be partnering with Mzansi Act Now and various stakeholders in delivering youth development programmes where participants can grow, support one another, and learn together,” said Community Services Committee Chairperson, Councillor Zama Sokhabase.
The 4 km hike marked the City’s first monthly collaboration of the year.
Councillor Sokhabase added: “The Committee will table and discuss ways to strengthen this partnership and engage more Municipal Directorates to extend the programme’s reach to more universities, and both male and female students.”
Mzansi Act Now-a movement founded by South African men who have united nationally to combat GBVFA, champion youth and female development, and promote men’s health and wellness-welcomed the City’s collaboration.
The organisation emphasised that no individual, regardless of gender, should experience gender-based violence.
ENDS
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Marketing and Communications Directorate
