Deputy President Paul Mashatile has urged the public to harness the power of technology in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). Speaking at the launch of the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children in Rustenburg, North West, on Monday, 25 November, Mashatile emphasized the transformative potential of digital tools to address this pressing issue.
This year’s campaign theme, “30 Years of Advancing Collective Action to End Violence Against Women and Children,” highlights both the progress made and the challenges that remain. Mashatile highlighted the role of technology in connecting victims and survivors to essential support networks, ensuring perpetrators are held accountable, and ultimately saving lives. “Technology can be a force for good,” he said. “It can save lives, connect victims to support, and ensure justice is served in ways we’ve never seen before.”
While acknowledging the strides made in addressing GBV, Mashatile stressed that eradicating violence in South Africa requires a collective, ongoing effort. “It’s not enough for the government to merely react to violence; we must prevent it,” he stated, calling for proactive measures to address the root causes of GBV. He also underscored the importance of education and awareness, particularly among young people, to promote respect, equality, and dignity for all. Engaging men and boys, he noted, is critical to creating lasting change.
In contrast, Democratic Alliance (DA) parliament member Karabo Khakhau criticized the 16 Days of Activism campaign as insufficient. She argued that while the government continues to make symbolic gestures, women and children remain vulnerable. “Gender-based violence is not a seasonal issue but a daily crisis,” Khakhau said. “Every day should be about focusing on the safety of South African women and children, whose lives are an ongoing struggle for survival.”
Gauteng Legislature Speaker Morakane Mosupyoe encouraged the public to keep the momentum of the campaign alive beyond the 16-day observance. “Together, we can transform this movement into a continuous commitment to peace, respect, and equality,” she said, calling for a society free from fear and violence. She also expressed gratitude to participants, sponsors, and partners for their contributions to the initiative’s success. “Change begins with us,” she concluded.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign, an annual United Nations initiative, runs from 25 November to 10 December. It aims to raise awareness of gender-based violence and promote collective action to protect women and children from abuse.
