By Emily Setona
BETHLEHEM – The Dihlabeng local municipality, in partnership with Child Welfare, is preparing to launch the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, starting on 25 November 2025. The initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage community action against the ongoing scourge of gender-based violence across South Africa.
Executive Mayor Tseki Tseki urged communities to take responsibility and report incidents of abuse to help curb the crisis. “Let us work together and report cases of GBV so we can effectively address this pandemic in South Africa,” he said.
“We should not only plan, but also implement our plans. GBV is a pandemic that requires the involvement of all stakeholders to make a meaningful impact.”
The programme includes a launch event at Bethlehem Town Hall on 25 November, followed by a march from Diphaleng to Boiketlong Hall and a men’s dialogue in Bohlokong on 28 November. The municipality emphasized the importance of male participation, acknowledging that men are often absent from interventions designed to address GBV.
As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen support structures, the Dihlabeng local municipality AIDS Council will be established on 1 December 2025. The municipality noted the close link between GBV and HIV/AIDS, which both continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable groups.
This year’s campaign theme, “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls,” calls attention to growing threats in online spaces and the need for stronger protection for victims of digital abuse.
The municipality encourages residents to take an active role in the campaign and contribute to building a safer, more just society for all.
