03 Jul 2023

National Gender Commission member Kgosi George Thwane of Artesia says it is important to always find the root cause of gender-based violence (GBV).

Speaking during a gender mainstreaming workshop for Dikgosi in Kanye recently Kgosi Thwane said GBV led to low self-esteem, noting that even though women were the most affected, some men were also victims but did not report the abuse.

He said some cases were not reported such as rape and defilement, adding that perpetrators were usually protected because they were breadwinners.

Kgosi Thwane said Dikgosi should go the extra mile in assisting GBV victims, to ensure that they got psycho-social support.

He said GBV incidents where men were victims included economic and emotional abuse, observing that in such instances, the men did not have control of the money they worked for.

“Even if you are married in community of property the law does not allow either partner to control the other’s money without their consent,” Kgosi Thwane said.

He said culture was dynamic hence the need to do away with cultural practices that fuelled GBV.

Gangwaketse Senior Chief Representative, Kgosi Kwelagobe Mookodi said it was necessary to engage with Dikgosi since they dealt with GBV issues on a daily basis.

“I believe the workshop will assist to effectively resolve cases whenever they are brought before us,” he said.

He further advised Dikgosi to extensively investigate issues before passing judgements.

Organised by the Ministry of Youth, Gender, Sport and Culture, the workshop was aimed at capacitating dikgosi on how to tackle issues GBV.

MYSC South District Coordinator Mr Moeti Godisamang said the workshop was meant to engage with Dikgosi on how best to deal with GBV issues, as they were one of the key players in running the country.

He said their opinions were important in the fight against GBV as they dealt with such cases daily.

“The workshop will help us come up with strategies for combating GBV and to identify issues that are a stumbling block in addressing GBV successfully,” he added.

Ends