Mayor Mbedla calls on men to step-up and fight gender based violence

Matatiele Local Municipality Mayor, Cllr. Momelezi Mbedla expressed his deepest concerns over the increasing number of gender based violence cases in Matatiele. This, as today the Department of Education hosts the memorial service of Ms Mpharwane Makumane, 25, who was stabbed to death.

The young female educator at Azariel Senior Secondary School, was allegedly stabbed four times by his partner near her school on Friday, October 24, 2020.

“These barbaric acts cannot be tolerated anymore. We call upon our justice system to ensure they bring to book all those involved in cases of abuse and killing of women and children. It is sad that today, women and children in Matatiele do not feel safe to walk around the streets. This has to come to an end,” said the emotional Mayor. 

Government is currently reviewing its GBV and Femicide strategy. Social ills are a complex issue, that require multi-faceted responses and commitment from all stakeholders, including the civil society formations.

“Violence against women is a men’s problem. As men, we have the responsibility to step up and protect the vulnerable groups in our midst, not to even mention those close to us,” concludes Mbedla.

The Mayor welcomes the swift arrest by the South African Police Service and wishes the affected school security guard a speedy recovery.

Memorial service of the late Makumane is held at Azariel SSS to be followed by a drive-through to her home. Details of the final sendoff will be communicated in due course.

The municipality is reminding the people of Matatiele to adhere to the lockdown precautionary measures of washing hands regularly, practicing social distance and wearing of masks always. This, in order to avoid the COVID-19 resurgence.

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Media Enquiries:

Ms Olwetu Gwanya: Head of Communications

Cell: 072 157 0449 e-mail: ogwanya@matatiele.gov.za

Issued by Matatiele Local Municipality