Ntuli urges parties to channel same election energy in fight against GBV

DURBAN - The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) government is urging political parties to channel the same energy they use during election campaigns into the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

This call came from Premier Thami Ntuli during the funeral of Nokuphila Mbhele on Saturday in Umzumbe. Mbehel was killed, allegedly by her lover, who also attempted to take his own life.

The Premier emphasised that a new approach was needed in the battle against crime.

Mbhele, Nandipha Lifana and Nangamso Lifana are three women who were killed on the KZN south coast last Sunday alone.

All the victims were killed, allegedly by people known to them. 

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Their cases add to a growing list of gender-based violence cases in the province, something Ngtuli urged must be attended to. 

“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 on 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. 

The two Lifana sisters are set to be laid to rest at their Bizana home in the Eastern Cape soon.