Modern day Hectors holds an anti-GBVF March

  

By: Siphokuhle Mpanza

Twitter: @Siphokuhle Mpanza

Email: 061spho@gmail.com

 

The Anglican Youth of the diocese of Zululand took a 2km march around the community of Showe with banners against GBV and Femicide. These young people came in numbers to commemorate the annual youth month together under the theme, Breaking the silence.

Picture by Sanele Mchunu: Anti-GBV March

The conference was held at Eshowe King Zwelithini High school from the 23^rd till the 25^th of June. This March could not have come at a better time, just when the entire country is affected by the pandemic of killings based on women and children.

This is the first conference post the covid-19 pandemic which had caused disruptions to activities. The youth Boldy marched across the area of Showe, singing and chanting “Senzeni na!” which translates what have we done.

Picture by Sanele Mchunu: Marching across streets of Showe.

The traffic enforcement speakers included Social, Justice and Rehabilitation departments. Mr. Dlamini from an organisation called Rise and Shine youth substance and drug abuse, was in attendance.

 He explained that they deal with drug victims and help people seeking help to quit substance abuse. This is because he believes there is a huge link between GBV and drug abuse.

                                        

                                       Pictures by Sanele Mchunu: The Youth March

Snenhlanhla Gumede, a GBV victim survivor shared her touching story to the marching youth. She said that if they saw her shed a tear it would be tears of joy because she left and survived. She was happy that most protestors were females because she wanted them to learn.

Below is a link to Snenhlanhla story as she narrates her story.

https://soundcloud.com/sphokuhle-mthunzi/sne_1-mp3?si=c4cec44b61554e78b7e7e19d7c187131&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

The Reverend Issaiah Manqele, who is the diocesan Dean said,” It was necessary, but it will always not be enough because the protest march is just a public statement, but it is not fully effective for the reasons. One, this needs families, and communities where people are.”

   

                          Video by Siphokuhle Mpanza: Anti GBV March by youth.

Youth who were participating in the march were all in their school uniforms. The march was aimed at hitting two birds with one stone creating June 16 awareness and raising awareness on GBV.The march ended at a local unnamed shop, which is where the various speakers spoke.

 ‘’The march symbolises that as the church we do not only go through church things or things related to religion only, but we also consider what happens in our society, ‘’ said Londi Gumede who was one of the participants.

All went well according to the Youth chaplain who spoke on behalf of the march organising team.

Did you know?
65% of women abused by their partner report that their partner used alcohol before the alcohol.   Source: WHO	90 % Alcohol consumption of underage drinker happens during incidents of binge drinking.	71% Of all primitive television programming depicts the use of alcohol.