A group of women and men led by uMngeni Municipality mayor Chris Pappas, deputy mayor Sandile Mnikathi and council speaker Janis Holmes took to the streets of Howick on Wednesday marching in solidarity during the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children. The march, which ended at the Howick Magistrate’s Court, drew civil society organisations, community activists and residents united by a single message: No to GBV. Several civil societies mostly led by men within the municipality echoed the sentiment that “real men protect their families” , urging others to reflect on their behaviour and take responsibility for creating safer homes.
Sabelo Xaba from the Umngeni Unemployed Youth Graduate also urged the municipality and other organisations to also act on perpetrators that are their employees. He also called for civil societies to be supported on the work they do to fight GBV. LifeLine Pietermaritzburg joined the march, using the platform to remind organisations working in the gender-violence sector not to lose hope despite the staggering levels of abuse reported daily.
We may be on the march with perpetrators. I might also be one,” he said, urging honesty, accountability and the willingness to seek help. “I urge everyone who needs support to get it, and I encourage victims not to give up hope,” said LifeLine social worker Sineqiniso Ntshele.
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Angel’s Care Centre used the event to appeal specifically to mothers and caregivers, encouraging them to prioritise the safety of their children — even when financial dependence makes it difficult to take action. The organisation stressed that many children suffer in silence when parents look away, fearing the consequences of challenging abusive partners. At the court, mayor Pappas read out a memorandum on behalf of the marchers before handing it over to acting court manager Diduseng Dlamini. The memorandum called for stronger cooperation between communities, law enforcement and social services, as well as greater protection for survivors navigating the justice system.
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