Traditional leaders by virtue of being closer to their communities are best placed to assist government with elimination of women and child abuse, this according to Mpumalanga MEC for Community Safety, Security and Liaison MEC Vusi Shongwe made this call during a sitting of the Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders held at the Provincial Legislature last week, 21 November 2014 where he was invited to respond on issues of crime and safety affecting communities.
He has pleaded with Amakhosi to ensure that no abuse happens in their communities and that they take advantage of the trust that most communities have in the traditional leadership to instil good values in their communities.
Shongwe said that although the fight against domestic violence or abuse of women and children is a 365 campaign, more emphasis must be made during this period as the country will from 25 November to 10 December observe a 16 Days of Activism for no violence against women and children Campaign.
“We need to take cases of abuse against women and children seriously. Our traditional leaders are the most important people in the communities to link government and the people to deal with such issues because they are leaders of communities. It will be easy for us as government to win the battle against crime if our traditional leaders become involved and support initiatives aimed at eliminating crime through awareness and regeneration of morals,” said Shongwe.
Speaking in the same sitting, Mpumalanga House of Traditional Leaders Chairperson Kgoshi Lameck Mokoena said that MEC Shongwe and the former Provincial Commissioner Thulani Ntobela should be applauded for the initiatives that they have spearheaded to combat crime in the province.
Mokoena assured the MEC that the House of Traditional Leaders in the province will support all initiatives and programmes of the department aimed at reducing crime. He said all programmes of the department should be supported by all so that communities benefit. The traditional leaders however raised among others challenges they face with regard to land invasion stating that police officers at times do not respond adequately.
They have also bemoaned lack of consultation on service delivery issues in their communities. They further called on government to first consult with them before they award Liquor Trading Licenses. They say most of the taverns in their communities do not abide by the law as some of the liquor outlets are situated in areas near schools and churches.
Enquiries:
Joseph Mabuza
Cell: 082 678 1450
Tel: 013 766 4055
E-mail: emabuza@mpg.gov.za
