BY BANELE MAGONGO
MBABANE – Emaswati encouraged to prioritise reporting cases of abuse and to find peaceful ways of resolving family disputes.
This was said by Maseyisini Member of Parliament (MP) Nokuthula Dlamini, who is also a member of the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office’s (DPMO’s) Portfolio Committee in the House of Assembly, said gender-based violence (GBV) cases in the Shiselweni Region were on the rise. She said this was highlighted in the DPMO’s report in Parliament recently.
She was addressing Public Transport Operators and the members of the public at Nhlangano Bus Rank on Friday (August 9, 2024) during the End GBV Campaign under the theme, ‘Let’s End Gender-Based Violence in Eswatini.’
“It is painful to hear that parents have killed each other leaving children on their own. We need to hold hands in fighting GBV, please report GBV cases. Children are badly affected when they see their parents fighting, worse killing each other. We are looking forward to GBV being declared a national disaster,” the MP said.
The MP further urged the courts to treat GBV cases with urgency and judgements should be issued as soon as possible and the bail should be steep. She also advocated for family courts, where GBV cases would be tried to avoid delays.
“If the country has small claim courts, why not also establish family courts, where GBV cases will be tried speedily. This will encourage people to report GBV cases,” she said.
Nomzamo Dlamini, Gender and Family Issues Coordinator said the DPM has commissioned the office to visit Nhlangano to create awareness on GBV and further listen to views from public transport operators and members of the public on how best the country can fight GBV. More bus ranks across the country would be visited.
“To our young girls, please love yourselves and take care of yourself. By so doing, we can stop teenage pregnancy. Please stay at home and stop loitering in towns and busy places, which increases chances of pregnancy,” she warned.
Regional Administrator Representative Glory Nxumalo appreciated the DPM’s office for considering the region in the drive to fight GBV. She also thanked the different partners on the ground who are fighting GBV in the region.
Nhlonipho Mkhwanazi from Naticc revealed that during the month of July to now, a number of rape cases being reported were quite high. He said most of the rape survivors were abused by people they trust.
Other speakers included Royal Eswatini Police Service Shiselweni DCS-in- Charge Officer Nontobeko Vilakati, Nhlangano Town Council Khetsiwe Dlamini, World Vision Eswatini Tengetile Dlamini and the Ministry of Health.
