GQEBERHA – Against the backdrop of rising gender-based violence (GBV) and femicide cases, a determined crowd of women and residents marched alongside police in a united front in Zwide on Friday 29 August.
The Women’s Walk against GBV and femicide march brought together diverse voices as participants walked a symbolic route from Koyana Road in Zwide to Soweto Square in Soweto-on-Sea, an area police specifically identified as a GBV hotspot.
Kwazakhele Police Station Commander Brigadier Thandeka Mbele delivered the keynote address, advising women on their right to protection against GBV.
“Women must stand together in this fight,” she said. “The prevention of gender-based violence and femicide is not just a police matter – it requires every member of our community to take responsibility.”
Mbele later unveiled the police station’s Victim Friendly Room as a sanctuary where survivors can seek help “without fear of judgment”.
At the event, police also revealed a newly dedicated response vehicle aimed at “round-the-clock assistance” to victims of GBV regardless of their circumstances or location.
Meanwhile, the local Community Policing Forum (CPF) commended every participant for speaking up in solidarity.
“This walk is more than just a march. It is a declaration that together, we will not tolerate violence against women in our communities.”
The march was supported by police officers from Walmer SAPS, Despatch SAPS, GBV coordinators and members of the Kamesh Community Policing Forum (CPF).
