By Emily Setona
BETHLEHEM — Dihlabeng Local Municipality executive mayor, Tseki Tseki, led a men’s march and dialogue in Bohlokong as part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), rallying men and boys to take an active stand against abuse.
The event, held at Boiketlong Hall, drew community members and several stakeholders who shared a common message: ending violence against women and children requires men to step up and lead the change.
Municipal communications manager, Tshediso Maitse, said the programme aligns with this year’s national theme, “Unite! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls.”
He said the municipality aims to mobilise communities to confront GBV and help develop long-term solutions.Youth activist Lekgutsa Mbele urged young men to embrace positive leadership and resist negative peer pressure.
“Having the mind-set of a leader instead of a follower changed everything for me. It’s important to stay true to oneself because some collective beliefs promote the wrong things,” he said.
Mayor Tseki said the day’s focus on men and boys was deliberate, emphasising their central role in dismantling the culture of violence.
“We gathered here today to march and have a dialogue with men and young boys because we want to really encourage them to stop the violence against women and children,” he said.
He added that attendees suggested future dialogues should also include women, to enable open conversations about the root causes of abusive behaviour and the environments that sustain it.
The initiative forms part of the national 16 Days of Activism campaign, observed from 25 November to 10 December each year, calling on South Africans to unite against all forms of gender-based violence.
