The uMfolozi Municipality, led by Honourable Mayor Xolani Bhengu, held a community dialogue on the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) at Nhlabosini Hall (Ward 10), accompanied by a march condemning incidents of abuse.
The purpose of the dialogue , which took place on Thursday – 14 August 2025 -was to hear the community’s views on possible solutions to this growing problem, as reports of child rape have been raised in the ward. Participants were encouraged to increase open conversations like this one across all municipal wards. Community leaders, non-profit organisations, police officers, social workers, and residents made presentations on the matter and proposed possible solutions.
The call was made to return to cultural values, for people to follow their conscience and respect one another — men should not prey on school children, and children should respect elders, even if they are not their parents.
Honourable Mayor Bhengu urged unity and ongoing discussions to find solutions to this challenge, anytime and anywhere people gather. Candles were lit in memory of women who lost their lives to abuse, followed by a joint prayer.