The rising number of GBVF related cases in Elim has reached an alarming stage. There are cases that are reported at Waterval Police Station on a daily basis, but in reality we know that there are other cases that go unreported due to several reasons. Between May and July, lives were lost due to violence. 3 women were killed in separate incidences around Elim. On the other hand, a grade 8 learner was stabbed to death by fellow boys in Mabobo Village, Elim. It is against this background that Vumbanani for Peacebuilding Community Advice Office has taken it upon themselves to embark on an advocacy campaign journey to increase awareness in the community.
It is every citizen`s responsibility to contribute towards peace initiatives and resolve differences or squabbles in peace. Hate speeches and cyber bullying should not be part of our lives as it destroys Ubuntu and attracts a lot of violent responses from victims. Vumabanani FP was in Riverplaats on the 13th of November where more than 100 participants attended the campaign dubbed `Promoting Oneness`. The Councillor, Grace Hlekani Maluleke and her people appreciated our work and commented that there are a lot of GBVF cases in the area of which she hope would be lessened by VFP as it capacitates community members on the dangers of violence as well as how to manage conflict among other topics.
