Durban — KwaZulu-Natal Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli handed over appointment letters to 173 GBVF activists at the Westville Correctional Facility Hall on Monday.

The GBVF activists will be placed in various police stations across KwaZulu-Natal, where they will interact with communities and GBV survivors, Ntuli said.

In closing the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign, Ntuli will launch a 365 Days of Activism initiative today, which he said is a monumental step in the ongoing fight against Gender-Based Violence and Femicide (GBVF).

Ntuli said the launch marks a shift from yearly awareness to an enduring commitment to combat GBVF throughout the year.

“The 365 Days of Activism campaign aims to facilitate a comprehensive transition from annual discussions surrounding GBVF to a sustained, proactive approach that addresses its root causes, supports survivors, and holds perpetrators accountable. This initiative will deem GBVF a continual priority for the provincial government and all its stakeholders,” Ntuli said.

During the closing event which will be held at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre, Ntuli will introduce Gender-Based Violence Ambassadors.

Representing various districts across the province, the ambassadors will act as community champions, enhancing awareness and driving local initiatives to combat GBVF. Their role will be critical as they engage with citizens, empowering them to take an active role in addressing this societal issue, he said.

Ntuli revealed that the strategic deployment of 173 activists will be initiated across police stations and high-risk districts.

KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli leads a transformative initiative in KwaZulu-Natal, transitioning from 16 Days of Activism into a powerful 365 Days of Activism against gender-based violence. | Supplied

To ensure effective support for victims and the larger community, these activists will undergo specialised training aimed at helping them engage with those affected by GBVF, specifically mentioning areas like Inanda, which have seen a spike in such incidents.

‘‘Hot spot areas will have activists who will engage with the social workers and community to ensure that the goal of ending violence is actualised,’’ Ntuli said.

GBV activist Sunshine Lindiwe Mbhele from uMlazi underscored the increasing rate of violence against women and children in her community. ‘‘The power to end violence lies in the hands of citizens,’’ she stated.

She encouraged the public to engage actively rather than waiting for police intervention. Her sentiments echo a growing sentiment that community involvement is essential to effect change.

Addressing the challenges faced by victims when reporting cases, Zodwa Angel Dlamini from Bester expressed her optimism for positive changes resulting from this initiative. She recounted how many victims often feel unheard and doubted, leading to a loss of trust in systems designed to protect them.

‘‘I have faith that the team assigned to monitor violence cases will be successful in assisting victims as their sole priority will be GBVF and femicide,’’ Dlamini stated.

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