KZN premier urges political leaders put more energy into fight against GBV

The KwaZulu-Natal government has urged political parties to channel the same energy they use during election campaigns into the fight against gender-based violence.

This call came from the premier during the funeral of Nokuphila Mbhele, a victim of gender-based violence who was allegedly killed by her lover, who also attempted to take his own life.

The premier emphasised that a new approach is needed in the battle against crime.

Nandipha Lifana, Nangamso Lifana and Nokuphila Mbhele - these are the three women who were killed in the KwaZulu-Natal south coast last Sunday alone.

All the victims were killed by people known to them.

Their cases add on to a growing list of gender-based violence murder cases in the province.

Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli called for community leaders and businesspeople to be ambassadors in the fight against GBV.

 “It is obvious that there is a problem, and it is huge, and it requires everyone’s attention. When you are a business, religious, political, or traditional leader - it is important that you do something to champion a dialogue to be an ambassador of a fight against gender-based violence.”

Ntuli also called residents to declare war against the scourge.

“These killings of innocent souls must really stop but will only stop when everyone in the province plays a role.”

The premier told political leaders in attendance to also rise against GBV - with the same energy used when campaigning for votes.