The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities expresses shock at the death of medical intern, allegedly killed by her boyfriend
The Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Maite Nkoana-Mashabane expressed shock at the death of a young medical intern Dr Nkhwashu whose life was cut short at just 24, allegedly, at the hands of her boyfriend.
Dr Nkhwashu spent the last six years studying towards her medical degree and was barely two weeks into her career when her life was cut short. This is a very sad incident and a stain on our society’s conscience that with all measures put in place and with the country’s focus on gender-based violence and femicide, barbaric acts like this, by men, still continue to happen.
Minister Nkoana-Mashabane would like to send her sincere condolences to the family and friends of Dr Nkhwashu.
“Our country is deeply traumatised by acts of extreme violence perpetrated by men against women and children. These killings have caused great pain and outrage because acts of such brutality have become all too common in our communities. Perpetrators of GBVF don’t belong in our communities, and they must be removed,” said Minister Nkoana-Mashabane.
The Department calls upon all South Africans to play their part in fighting this scourge and to unite in the fight against GBVF. We encourage everyone to be on the look out for early warning signs of gender-based violence and report anything out of the ordinary to SAPS for further investigation.
All men and boys are encouraged to take a stand against all forms of abuse and GBVF. The National Pledge calls on South African men to become actively involved in ending all forms of violence. It is not only about being a good man, father, husband and co-worker. It goes beyond that, to men not allowing violence in all its forms to take place. Men can do this by calling out other men who insult, denigrate, abuse, or treat women like objects. Men need to be active players in activist efforts to end GBVF.
HOW TO PLAY YOUR PART:
- Increase awareness and visibility: Incorporate GBVF key messages in all speeches, discussions, addresses.
- Utilise GBVF Posters in your spaces.
- Display the GBVF National Pledge in all public spaces, like places of work, worship, shopping centres, events, schools etc. and encourage men to sign.
- Partner with government, business, media houses, private sector in hosting GBVF events and heighten communications around GBVF.
- Leverage on other mega events such as sporting events, national days, themed days, conferences etc. to spread messages on ending GBVF.
- Host lectures, debates and discussions on GVBF on topics such as eradicating patriarchal attitudes.
- Host leaners competitions on equality, justice and human dignity.
- Host engagements with men and boys to encourage positive masculinity.
- Utilise your social media platforms to condemn any form of GBVF.
- Report any act or sign of gender-based violence.
- Join www.for-women.co.za – a hub for survivors and victims who need help and corporates who can offer help.
For interviews and RSVP please contact:
Mmabatho Ramompi
Cell: 076 480 3513
E-mail: Mmabatho.ramompi@women.gov.za
Media enquiries:
Shalen Gajadhar
Cell: 060 979 4235
E-mail: shalen.gajadhar@women.gov.za
